James McLean: 'I want to improve as a player'

James McClean has insisted that he hopes he can continue to improve his game, despite an array of impressive performances for Sunderland.

The 23-year-old has been a regular fixture in the Sunderland side since Martin O'Neill took over from Steve Bruce last year, and McClean has revealed that he has been working with former midfielder Steve Guppy to help his development.

McClean told the Sunderland Echo: "I've been working every session with Gupps. I'm working on everything really, all aspects of my game and that can only help to improve me.

"Gupps was a good player and had a good career, so anything he can do to help me, I'm more than willing to take on board.

"I'm not the perfect player, I want to improve my game every day. If you have someone working with you, it only helps."

McClean has scored eight goals in 31 appearances for Sunderland.