Republic of Ireland winger James McClean has labelled Kenny Shiels’ comments on the international side “silly”, “stupid” and “ridiculous”.
Derry City boss Shiels was strongly critical of both the Republic and Northern Ireland setups last month, saying: “International football’s not what it used to be. There’s no pride in it anymore because you could have a pint of Guinness and play for Ireland.
“It doesn’t interest me one bit, not one bit. The Republic of Ireland are England reserves and Northern Ireland are England’s reserves’ reserves. It’s diabolical. I’ve no time for it all.”
However McClean, who played with the Airtricity Premier Division club for three years before moving across the water to Sunderland, hit back at Shiels, claiming he's being “viewed as a comedian”.
“I’ve become frustrated and very disappointed reading some of the silly and stupid comments made by Kenny Shiels in the media,” McClean told the Derry Journal.
“I remain a dyed in the wool Derry City fan. I really enjoyed representing the Candystripes and to have successfully battled my way through to play international football for my country makes me feel particularly proud.
I think Kenny Shiels has done himself no favours with these insulting outbursts regarding international football. - James McClean
“What right or what credentials does Kenny Shiels hold to make such ridiculous comments on international football? For me, playing in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in front of thousands of people and wearing that green jersey means so much to me and my team-mates.
“He said Italians and Scottish people play for Ireland, but so do players such as David Forde, Seamus Coleman, Wes Hoolohan, Stephen Ward, Daryl Murphy and myself, players who graduated through local League of Ireland football.
“Talk is cheap, but every local player harbours an ambition to play at the highest level possible. I think Kenny Shiels has done himself no favours with these insulting outbursts regarding international football.
“He’s actually been laughed at and ridiculed on television following the comments and I don’t believe a Derry City manager should be viewed as a comedian.”
