James McClean

James McClean is a midfielder of Wigan Athletic. He was born on 22 April 1989 in Derry, Northern Ireland.

In 2007 James came to the threshold of his professional career start. He graduated from the academy of Institute and joined the main team of the club. McClean penned a contract and made only one appearance for the Northern Irish squad during one year, which did not prevent him from drawing the attention of one of the most top-flight local teams.

In 2008 James completed a move to Derry City, which was located in his native place. During several months, the head coach let the footballer on the pitch as a sub so that the rookie could feel the game before counting on a place in the starting line-up. McClean’s role in the club was getting more and more important, as well as his performance was getting steadier. Till the summer 2011, James was one of the pivots of Derry City’s midfield and amassed 18 goals in 73 games for the team.

In 2011 the footballer sealed a deal with Sunderland and featured in 59 matches for the club during two seasons. In the summer 2013 McClean switched for Wigan Athletic.

From 2009 till 2010, James was capped seven times for the Northern Ireland national U-21 team. In 2012 he made three appearances for the Republic of Ireland national squad.