James McClean has admitted that he would like keep his place in the Sunderland starting lineup for tonight's trip to Wigan Athletic.

The Irish winger had made three substitute appearances for the Black Cats before being handed his first Premier League start during Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester City.

Now he is hoping that he impressed manager Martin O'Neill enough to retain his place at the DW Stadium.

"The Wigan match has come up very quickly, so I'll keep my head down and my fingers crossed. Naturally I'd love to keep my place, but that's not going to be my decision," he told the Sunderland Echo.

"If I'm not selected to start, then I'll be hopeful of getting a place on the bench. I'll continue to work hard and do what I've been told."

The 22-year-old joined Sunderland in August 2011 from Derry City.

Written by
Liam Apicella