Ireland midfielder James McClean has made a swifter recovery than expected and is likely to join up with Stephen Kenny's Ireland panel for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers. Pic: SPORTSFILEJames McClean will be in Stephen Kenny's squad for Ireland's crunch World Cup qualifier in Serbia on March 24. However, independent.ie understands that the 31-year-old has made a swift recovery and will be travelling although he's unlikely to figure for Stoke before linking up with Kenny's panel in Manchester on Sunday week. McClean will now be a strong contender to start on the left side with Connolly out of the equation although Kenny had spoken of using the Brighton player in a more central role going forward. But McClean's battle hardened qualities will give him a strong chance of featuring, especially as Kenny is going to be relying on relatively inexperienced players in other positions.

Source: Irish Independent March 12, 2021 17:41 UTC