James McClean: ‘A lot of factors’ in not enjoying Derry City return, says winger

Former Republic of Ireland international James McClean says there are “a lot of factors” as to why he is not enjoying his return to Derry City.

McClean, 37, returned to his hometown club in January after leaving Wrexham but said the reality of being back in the League of Ireland has not met his expectations.

Tiernan Lynch’s side have struggled for form with five wins in 21 matches, while McClean has struggled with a hip issue that has limited his minutes.

Despite a 4-1 win over Bohemians on Friday, Derry are sixth in the table and 15 points off leaders Shamrock Rovers.

“It was much needed but there’s a lot of work to do,” McClean said on RTE.

When asked if his family were enjoying being back home, McClean said they were but “probably not so much myself, if I’m honest”.

“You have a lot of conversations on the phone, and then you come home and quickly realise that what you hear on the phone is not what you see in reality.

“There are a lot of factors that have contributed to that. I’m going to leave them for another day.”

In April, McClean said his career was in doubt due to a long-standing hip injury and, while he has played a number of times since, his last 90 minutes came in March.

The former Sunderland, Wigan Athletic and Stoke City wideman said that the Brandywell’s artificial pitch, which has since been replaced by a hybrid, grass surface, could have exacerbated the issue.

Now he is back on the pitch, McClean says he is “trying to stay optimistic”.

“My fitness generally is fine. Obviously it’s not ideal but it’s a lot better than it was a couple of months ago,” McClean added.

“A couple of months ago, to be honest with you, I didn’t know if I would be back on a football pitch.”