Disparity in professionalism is holding domestic players back, insists McClean

James McClean has offered a damning critique on the League of Ireland.

The Ireland centurion was speaking as he and fellow internationals launched a scheme that will help fund a scholarship for one male and female form next season with national league clubs.

This welcome initiative is something the Derryman hopes acts as a catalyst for the Government to invest in Irish football.

McClean - due to retire from the Ireland team on November 21 against New Zealand - stressed state support is ‘non-negotiable’ if standards in the league are to prosper to the ultimate benefit of the international team.

The FAI have outlined their vision for the next 15 years in their facilities plan but almost €700m of that spend is contingent on Governement schemes such as the large scale projects, sports capital grants, immigrant investor and the shared Ireland pot.

“We hope we don't have to convince them too much because it should be a really straightforward thing,” said the 34-year-old about lobbying Leinster House.

“It shouldn't really be a fight. We'll put the idea to them. We're hoping that they get on board with it. I don't see any reason why they shouldn't because it's got so many benefits to it. It should be non-negotiable so hopefully, we get them on board.” 

McClean added that the disparity in professionalism is holding domestic players back and European group stage qualification by league teams should be the norm rather than exception.

“I did not know how to do a squat until I went to Sunderland at 22,” confessed the Wrexham left-sided player.

“I was there, seeing 15 and 16-year-olds in the gym and they were far more advanced than I was because they are from an early age.

“I’m in League Two now but the facilities here are miles ahead