O’Neill warns McClean

O’Neill was not happy when he found out that the talented winger had lashed out at Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni on Twitter, after last week’s World Cup qualifying win in Kazakhstan, for the duration of which he remained an un-used substitute.

“James has been acting rather strangely,” said O’Neill.

“It’s good when the player not only wants to play but he also wants to manage the team as well, James is rather young for that at the moment. I think Mr Trapattoni has got a couple of years on him and a couple of titles, too. I think he’s entitled to pick the team.

“James has even admitted himself he has been rather foolish. He has taken himself off Twitter but he might have a situation with Facebook as well. He has a bit of a problem and we will have to rectify it. Not only that but some of his language (on Twitter) was pretty poor and we will have to deal with that.

“James has got to learn about his choice of language, he can’t be swearing on these things. He should have a bit more sense – and he has to abide by the set of rules we have here.”

The Kilrea man also believes the ex-Derry City winger needs to act more responsibly and to make matters worse for the 23-year-old he failed his theory section of his driving test on Wednesday.

“James has got a lot to really learn. He has got to temper everything and he has got to rein in, he really has to rein in. He has to show some responsibility now,” added the Black Cats gaffer.

“He has obviously been affected, James has failed his theory as well. He’s having a tough time but he must just settle down. He has a really good career in front of him.

“It’s been a pretty meteoric rise, from Christmas time, on the pitch for him and James has had very few setbacks. He’s not had injuries, which I wouldn’t wish on him, but that means he has not had to do any fighting really, so his appreciation of things will be less than that of some players.

“That will definitely come and for all the things I have said about him he is sensible enough to start to realise this is a great game we are in and he has a great chance. He has to settle down.”