James McClean slams ‘disrespectful’ Stephen Kenny over Republic of Ireland farewell
Republic of Ireland winger not happy with the way his final appearance for country was handled
James McClean is given a guard of honour by his team-mates after his final international game
James McClean has criticised former Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny for the ‘disrespectful’ way he handled the end of his international career.
McClean called time on his enduring Ireland career last year, yet he was not satisfied with the way he was treated in his final days with the squad.
Speaking at an event to promote World Autism Month, McClean suggested Kenny was not impressed with his decision to join League Two side Wrexham, with the events following that move hastening his retirement from international football.
"I remember a phone call that I had with the manager of Ireland at the time and I told him about the move to Wrexham, he couldn't wait to get off the phone,” said McClean, who won 103 caps for Ireland.
“Ultimately I would say that contributed a major factor in my decision to step away from Ireland.
"In a way sometimes you make the decision, but you are made to walk the plank in a way. For me, it was like, if I don't walk away now I may never get the opportunity to say goodbye on my terms.
"That was a contributing factor, definitely, moving to Wrexham. But it turned out to be a successful one and it's a move that no one forced me to take. I took it myself, and I'm glad I did."
McClean was left out of the first Ireland squad after the move, with Kenny stating the player’s decision to ‘drop down the divisions’ was a factor in his omission.
"First time in 12 years that I was ever left out of the squad," said McClean.
"I thought it was very disrespectful. Sometimes all you need to know is when you have a phone call and you can't get a man off the phone, and then when you have another phone call and all of a sudden they can't get off the phone (quickly enough).
"That speaks to what he thought about the move. At the time he was obviously the Ireland manager and he made his decision. I don't think he was on-board with the decision (to join Wrexham)."
There was also some annoyance over his Ireland farewell last November, with McClean suggesting his substitution could have been handled more respectfully.
"I'll be honest, it leaves a sour taste in my mouth, how my Ireland career ended, because the occasion itself, I got to say goodbye on my terms to the Aviva crowd, which is obviously special,” he added.
“For an end of season friendly game, to not even be given the opportunity to lead the team out and then to be taken off after 66 minutes, not even as a single substitution but as a double substitution, I just thought that was poor and it's a moment you never get back."
