James McClean has "90-99% chance" of Euro 2012 call-up

Sunderland winger James McClean has been told that he has a "90-99% chance" of being called up to represent the Republic of Ireland at this summer's European Championships.

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni handed the 23-year-old his first senior international cap as a substitute in February's 1-1 friendly draw with the Czech Republic after an impressive first season of regular Premier League football.

McClean has featured in every minute of Sunderland's last 16 league games and scored his fifth league goal of the season with a free kick in yesteday's 2-2 draw with Bolton.

Trapattoni today told the Irish Independent that McClean has a "90 to 99% chance of going to Poland".

Ireland will take on the last two world cup winners Spain and Italy as well as Croatia in a tough Euro 2012 group.