James McClean apologises for angry tweet after Republic game

James McClean has apologised for the foul-mouthed tweet that he angrily posted after being left on the bench during the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifier win in Kazakhstan.

Sunderland winger McClean had described his omission as a "joke" and also swore in a tweet which was later deleted.

However on Saturday morning McClean said his tweet had been "stupid" and "disrespectful".

A later FAI statement said that the matter "has now been put to rest".

McClean remains in the Republic squad for Tuesday's friendly at Craven Cottage against Oman.

An FAI statement said that manager Giovanni Trapattoni had "spoken to James McClean in front of the squad" and that the player had "apologised to his team-mates for his ill-judged comments.

Robbie Keane, Darren O'Dea, John O'Shea, Jon Walters and Glenn Whelan have been released from the squad with Manchester United youngster Robbie Brady and Reading's Alex Pearce given first senior call-ups for the friendly in London.

Republic Under-21 international Brady has yet to feature for United's first team but was involved in pre-season games for the Old Trafford giants in the summer.

"I let my frustration get the better of me," said McClean in his latest Twitter comments.

The Sunderland player's anger at being left on the bench was another issue for Trapattoni after the Irish snatched a hugely fortunate opening 2-1 World Cup qualifier win in Astana.

McClean's fellow-Derryman Darron Gibson pulled out of the Republic squad for the Astana clash last week because of "disappointment" at his non-involvement in Euro 2012.

And last month Wolves utility man Kevin Foley vowed never to play for Trapattoni again because he felt the Italian "betrayed" him by excluding him from his European Championship squad.

In Friday night's game, Trapattoni brought Doyle and Shane Long off the bench but did not call upon McClean.

Doyle's introduction proved vital for the Irish as his cross helped earn the 89th-minute penalty which Robbie Keane converted and the Wolves striker volleyed in the winner a minute later.

Trapattoni acknowledged that he was "not happy" with his team's display and also questioned the "spirit" of his players in contest.

However, he insisted that the result was "the most important thing".

"It was the first game in qualification. I'm happy we achieved the result. Now at this moment, only the result is important," said the Italian after the Astana contest.

Matchwinner Doyle agreed that the Irish had "got out of jail".

"I thought they were decent but we should be playing better than that," added the Wolves striker.

"At least we got the win. It could have been very different."

Doyle's cross helped earn the 89th-minute penalty which Robbie Keane scored to cancel out Kairat Nurdauletov's 38th-minute goal.

"I would have taken a point at that stage - 1-0 down away from home," continued Doyle.

"It was a pressure penalty and thankfully Robbie stuck it in the back of the net.

"To get the winner was a bonus."

Doyle added that his failure to earn a start in Astana was a "consequence" of dropping out of the Premier League because of Wolves' relegation last season.

"I can't expect to get picked for Ireland when there are two or three lads playing in the Premier League ahead of me.

"That's my own problem and my own fault. (I've got to) Get back playing at the highest level as soon as possible."