James McClean defends Stephen Kenny appointment following criticism from Gary Breen and Stephen Hunt

Republic of Ireland winger James McClean launched an impassioned btoadside against former internationals Gary Breen and Stephen Hunt after they questioned Stephen Kenny’s credentials.

Tallaght native Kenny was formally unveiled as senior international manager on Thursday after the succession plan to replace Mick McCarthy was brought forward from August.

Former World Cup defender Breen said Kenny had ‘failed elsewhere’ outside his wildly successful stint with Dundalk while McClean’s former teammate Hunt also expressed reservations.

McClean jumped to the defence of Kenny, who gave the Stoke City player his debut in the Candystripes of Derry City, and insisted their opinions wouldn’t bother his new boss.

“I have seen a few comments from a few players, for example Gary Breen. I think Gary has spent too much time in England,” McClean told the Derry Journal.

“I’m pretty sure Gary doesn’t know much about the League of Ireland. The fact he said Stephen (Kenny) has failed everywhere other than Dundalk proves that point.

“Gary doesn’t know the League of Ireland. If he did, he would know Stephen (Kenny) fully deserves this job and he hasn’t been a failure anywhere else.

“I have also seen people like Stephen Hunt saying senior players are going to be worried and this and that, but Stephen Hunt’s international career didn’t really pull up many trees.

“Stephen is probably best known for his clash with Petr Cech, so for him to give his opinion on Stephen is a joke.”