Niall Quinn claims Sunderland beat Everton to the signing of James McClean in 2011.
Niall Quinn
Pundit and former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has told Sky Sports that Everton were looking to sign James McClean from Derry City in 2011.
McClean, 27, hit the headlines on Sunday evening with two vital goals to help the Republic of Ireland beat Moldova 3-1 in their World Cup qualifier.
The winger has earned plenty of plaudits for his performance, whilst he’s also enjoyed a decent start to the Premier League season with West Bromwich Albion, having notched one goal and one assist.
West Bromwich Albion’s James McClean celebrates scoring
All in all, McClean has carved out a strong Premier League career for himself since leaving Derry City for Sunderland in 2011 – and there aren’t many players that can they say they achieved Premier League success after leaving the League of Ireland.
After seven goals in 59 Premier League games for Sunderland, McClean did have a spell in the Championship with Wigan Athletic, but has proven himself in the Premier League again with West Brom.
Republic of Ireland’s James McClean
Now though, pundit and former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has opened up to Sky Sports on the deal that saw McClean sign for the Black Cats more than five years ago.
Quinn stated that it was scout Bryan Robson who told him about McClean, and he pushed owner Ellis Short in to striking the deal having received such glowing reviews on the wide man.
Quinn even added that Everton were also keen on signing McClean, but Sunderland swooped in to sign him before the Toffees could – and who knows how McClean’s career would have turned out had he joined Everton, where Seamus Coleman has become a star since his own move from the League of Ireland.
Former Sunderland Chairman Niall Quinn
“The leaps of faith started with Bryan ‘Pop’ Robson, a goalscoring hero of the north east,” said Quinn. “Pop left his scouting job at Chelsea, wanting to get back up to his family and his roots in Hexham. Steve Bruce and I gave him the job as chief scout.
“Pop came in on the first day and said, “Listen, there is a bargain out there that we were recommended to come and watch when I was at Chelsea.” It was a lad called James McClean at Derry City. Given the structure at Chelsea and James’ age, Chelsea had decided not to pursue the transfer.”
“There were a few other clubs looking at James that summer including Everton. Steve Bruce and I had never heard of James McClean, let alone seen him play, but it was Pop Robson’s first day on the job, he was enthusiastic and it didn’t seem like the time to knock him back. I agreed to approach Sunderland’s owner Ellis Short to get permission to make the signing,” he added.
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