Wrexham star James McClean blasts the ‘disrespect’ from ‘idiots’ of his Ireland call-up in social media rant – and insists League Two is a better standard than the Irish League

James McClean has hit back at criticisms over being called up by the Republic of Ireland despite now playing for League Two Wrexham. 

The winger has earned 100 caps for his country since making his debut in 2012, and was included in Stephen Kenny’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and the Netherlands. 

However, there has been some questions over McClean’s inclusion, now that he is playing in England’s fourth tier. 

With manager Kelly even admitting that it’s ‘not ideal’ for the 34-year-old to be playing at that level for Wrexham.

Yet, McClean has taken to social media to rubbish the claims that the league is below par and insists it’s a better standard than the League of Ireland and the top two clubs in Scotland. 

Stephen Kenny has admitted it’s not ideal that McClean has made the move to League Two 

The message McClean posted on his social media feed slamming the critiscims of League Two

McClean said: ‘The disrespect shown by people who has either done very little in the game or never kicked a ball in their life probably couldn’t tell you if a ball was blew up or stuffed, just because you talk a good game or write a good game does not change the above.

‘League Two this and League Two that talk, judging the league. Listen to the same idiots be up in arms calling for league of Ireland players to in the squad and starting. 

‘I respect the hell out of LOI it made me, but do not tell me it’s a better standard. Outside of the top two clubs in Scotland, that’s not a better standard either. I’ll argue all day that, if this insults anybody by the way, then good – it was meant to.’ 

Kenny’s latest squad doesn’t not feature any League of Ireland players, with the bulk of the squad made up of Premier League and Championship players. 

The only exception’s are Udinese’s uncapped defender Festy Ebosele and Jamie McGrath who plays his football with Aberdeen. 

McClean has won 100 caps for his country since making is debut for the Republic of Ireland 

Leaving McClean as the only player in the squad playing in league outside a country’s top two divisions. 

Last season the veteran winger was playing his club football in the Championship with Wigan Athletic, where he played in every league game for the Latics. 

But following their relegation at the end of the season he signed for Wrexham, after their high-profile promotion to League Two under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.