James McClean: Wrexham midfielder's 'big call' on Republic of Ireland retirement

James McClean has also played for clubs including Sunderland, West Brom and Stoke City

James McClean's decision to retire from Republic of Ireland duty was a "big call" says Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson.

McClean, 34, has won 102 caps since his debut in 2012.

But the midfielder says the friendly against New Zealand on 21 November will be his final international.

"It's a decision which has been on his mind for a while and it's a big call for him and his family," Parkinson said.

"He's a very proud Irishman and every game is a big occasion when all your family can come and watch, and it's been a massive part of his and his family's life.

"There has been a lot of thinking for him to do over the last few weeks but he's come to the decision.

"I had a good chat with him this morning and it's probably the right time that he can now bow out with 100 caps under his belt and with his reputation firmly intact.

"To reach 100 caps puts him in a very elite band of international players."

McLean, whose early clubs included Institute and Derry City, played for Northern Ireland youth and Under-21s before switching to the Republic of Ireland, for whom he featured at both Euro 2012 and Euro 2016.

He joined Wrexham from Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee in August and Parkinson added: "Obviously for us we are pleased he's retiring because it keeps him available for our games.

"Great career at international level and now he can concentrate on his Wrexham career."

While McClean has announced his retirement, Wrexham team-mate Paul Mullin could be about to embark on his international career.

Mullin, 28, is on Wales manager Robert Page's standby list for the friendly against Gibraltar at the Stok Racecourse on Wednesday, 11 October and the Euro 2024 qualifier against Croatia four days later.

"I'm pleased for Paul," said Parkinson, who signed the striker from Cambridge United in the summer of 2021.

"He's said all along he wanted to play for Wales and felt he had a chance at times last year.

"There's good competition among the front players but I think Paul deservedly has pushed himself into the manager's thinking.

"I'm sure if the opportunity comes and he gets some minutes or even gets to train with them, they'll realise what a good player he is and what an asset he could be."