James McClean is preparing to make his second debut for the Candystripes
Tiernan Lynch has cautioned against unrealistic expectations around Derry following James McClean’s return to the League of Ireland.
The former Republic of Ireland international has rejoined his hometown club and is poised to make his debut in this evening’s President’s Cup fixture against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.
His signing has understandably lifted spirits around the Ryan McBride Brandywell, with Derry City aiming to improve on last season’s runners-up finish.
However, former Larne manager Lynch, now in his second campaign as a League of Ireland boss, believes it’s far from straightforward, reports the Irish Mirror.
“It’s a really, really tough league,” he said. “People think that when you see James McClean and you finished second last year that it’s the natural step and all goes with it.
“I think anybody who just thinks that’s a foregone conclusion is delusional.
“We’re under no qualms that this league is going to be more difficult for us next year. To get anything in this league, you’ve got to be at your best week in, week out.
“You also need a little bit of luck with regard to injuries and suspensions and teams around you.
“We also have Europe added into this year, which we didn’t have last year.
“We’re under no illusions how difficult this is going to be. We can’t stop the noise, we can’t stop other people talking but from our end, it’s going to be a very, very difficult season.
“We’re fully aware of that but it’s one that we’re looking forward to, one that we have to enjoy and embrace and take those challenges and see where we can go with them.”
McClean has returned to the Candystripes nearly 15 years after departing the club, having secured a transfer to Sunderland back in August 2011.
The 36-year-old has racked up more than 600 senior appearances across his club career, featuring 158 times in the Premier League, alongside earning 103 caps for Ireland. His journey has also taken him to Wigan, West Brom, Stoke and Wrexham.
“I don’t think anybody needs me to tell them the type of player and person that James is,” Lynch commented.
“There’s an element of a freak of nature in there with the lad; how he looks after himself as a pro.
“When that conversation started coming around about the potential of James coming home, it was a no brainer for us. I think that was both on the field and off the field.
“The lad’s a leader. He’s Derry City through and through. Getting the opportunity for him to come home and spend the last couple of years of his career at his hometown club, how much it means to him and how much he wants to try and drive the club on and be successful, it was a no brainer from our end.
“He’s a lad that just wants to play football. He bleeds red and white. I think he’s someone that’s going to bring a huge amount off the field as well as on the field.”
This evening, it falls to Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley to devise a strategy that curtails McClean’s influence. He lavished praise on the former Boys in Green star, declaring: “What a career James has had.
“For someone to come from Derry, leave the league, get 100 caps and come back here, I have nothing but respect for him on and off the pitch.
“I’m delighted that he’s come home to Derry. He’s shown the path. He wasn’t the poster boy, didn’t go early, so it’s incredible what he’s done.
“There’s no doubt that he’ll definitely take Derry up levels. Derry have spent a hell of a lot of money. That’s good for the league and what we want.”