McClean backs Lynch to bring league title back to Derry

James McClean has backed Tiernan Lynch to take Derry City from 'nearly men' to league champions.

The Wrexham captain, who watches his home town club every week, has built up a strong relationship with the current Brandywell boss and talks to him on a regular basis.

The Candystripes moved into second spot after securing their third win in a row when they saw off Drogheda United last Friday evening, and although they sit 11 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers, they crucially have played two games less than the Dubliners.

McClean however, is encouraged by City's recent upturn in form, which has brought three clean sheets and three victories.

“I think the problem with Derry now is we’re at the stage now where it’s no longer acceptable to be competing, we need to take that next step further,” stated McClean.

“I’ve spoken to Tiernan quite a lot and I really like what he’s trying to implement at Derry. I like the way he goes about things, his ideas and I think he’ll get it right, I’m actually confident he’ll get it right."

McClean was as pained as any Derry City fan at losing out on the league and FAI Cup double last season, but he is now focusing on the future and is hopeful that success awaits his hometown club.

“I feel it’s about time we stop being nearly men and accepting being competitive" he insisted. "I think it’s about time this club start winning things and with Tiernan in charge, I hope that’s the case for Derry and for him, because I said having spoken to him quite a lot, he’s someone I get on really well with and I admire what he’s trying to do.

“We’ve got a good relationship, we speak quite regularly, obviously I’m not going to go into detail what we’re speaking about, but we’ve a good relationship, we both have the same desire to see Derry win things and we share that same passion for the club. There would be no one more happier than me to see Tiernan and Derry winning something, so hopefully that’s the case sooner rather than later.

“They were going well for a while and then obviously they had a bit of a blip, but they’ve picked up again, two away wins in Dublin and then on Friday they beat Drogheda, who have been a bit of a bogey team for them recently, so they’ve had three good wins in a row.”

The 36-year-old who has always stated that he wants to play for the Candy Stripes before he hangs up his boots, but talks with Lynch has never gotten that far about a possible return.

“I think that all depends on Wrexham,” he declared. “I’m enjoying life there and obviously with Junior being at Crewe, the longer I’m at Wrexham, then obviously it makes sense because I’m loving there, but one day all good things have to come to an end, so whenever that is the next step for me will be to come home and play for Derry, but that’s not up to me.”

IN PICTURES: Republic of Ireland star James McClean attends Foyle Cup Leisurewear launch at O’Neills

McClean, who was speaking at the O’Neills Foyle Cup clothing range launch, feels next month’s underage competition is great for the Maiden City.

“The Foyle Cup is brilliant and it gives the local youths an opportunity to play against some of the best teams in Europe and further afield, so to really pit their wits against probably the best emerging talent all over Europe, can obviously benefit them and the game here in Derry,” confirmed the Creggan native.

“The Foyle Cup is class for the whole city. There’s a good buzz around the whole city and it obviously reflects well on the city itself.

“The Foyle Cup also gives the people the opportunity to come here and experience Derry and the Derry people and they soon pick up how fantastic that is.”