James McClean’s reunion with Martin O’Neill reportedly moves step closer

Martin O'Neill is considering a move for one of his most trusted charges.

O'Neill is still finding his bearings at Nottingham Forest after parting ways with the Republic of Ireland last November, he added Roy Keane to his backroom staff earlier this week and now he is in talks to bring James McClean on board. A report in the Mirror states that O'Neill is preparing a swap deal involving Stoke City's McClean which would see Ben Osborn move in the opposite direction. O'Neill has always been fond of McClean and the energy he brings to every game so is hoping to add that added drive to Forest's push for a play-off place. McClean, meanwhile, has always defended O'Neill from criticism and he was one of the first to pay tribute to his fellow Derryman's achievements with Ireland after he left his post two months ago. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqcVQPbHm2F/?utm_source=ig_embed McClean wrote on Instagram: "Gutted to see the gaffer gone. Qualifying for euros beating Germany, last 16 at the euros, beating Italy, within one game of qualifying for world cup being 4th seeds... aye bad record... "Thanks for everything gaffer." McClean signed for Stoke last July on a four-year contract and despite suffering a serious wrist injury just a couple of weeks into the season, he has already made 28 appearances for the Potters.