A FORMER Ireland international with strong links to the North-East last night acknowledged the role Martin O'Neill has played in James McClean's rapid rise to international prominence.

After appearing for the Irish in last weekend's 1-0 win over Bosnia in Dublin, McClean is now in Italy gearing up for the final Euro 2012 warm-up friendly with Hungary on Monday night.

His mere presence in Giovanni Trapattoni's 23-man squad highlights the success at the forefront of Sunderland's revival after a dreadful start to last season had them fearing relegation.

Despite his £350,000 move to Wearside 12 months ago from Derry City, Steve Bruce had been reluctant to throw him in to Premier League action and when he was sacked in November, the managerial change sparked the start of McClean's emergence.

"James is proof that having the right manager brings the best out of a player," said Kevin Sheedy, the former Newcastle winger who also had time as assistant manager at Hartlepool United.

"I always found that in my career. Martin arrived and spotted something (in James). A player will perform for a manager who believes in him. Martin has given him the confidence to play well and that has pushed him in to the international reckoning.

"I think he was always certain to go because of what he can do. Whether he's starting, or coming off the bench, he can have a big impact on a game."If he plays there's no reason why he can't help the team to win. You need different types of players for a tournament and he certainly gives Ireland something different. He could do very well."

Trapattoni is still likely to start Euro 2012 with Aiden McGeady and Damien Duff as his two wide players. McClean, though, is sure to have a part to play and is likely to be initially used as an impact substitute.

Given the low profile McClean has around Europe, he could be well suited to a cameo role and that could prove to be to the benefit of Ireland as they look to emerge from a group including Spain, Italy and Croatia.

There are low expectations because of the quality in their group, but Ireland are hoping to spring a surprise and qualify for the second phase in their first Euro finals since 1988.

Sheedy, an Ireland left-winger who famously scored a low drive beyond England goalkeeper Peter Shilton in the 1990 World Cup, was part of the squad at Euro 88 which helped send England home early from West Germany.

He thinks McClean, who he has watched closely because of his role as a youth team coach at Everton, is more then capable of delivering himself in the Ukraine and Poland finals.

"We (Everton) played Sunderland twice in the FA Cup, as well as in the league this season, so I got a good look at James," said Sheedy, who was born in Wales but qualified for Ireland through his father and earned 47 caps.

"He certainly caught the eye and I enjoyed watching him. He's clearly very talented and possesses a great left foot. I like the fact he seems to play with no fear. He's just burst on to the scene since around Christmas time."

Back at the Academy of Light, meanwhile, Sunderland's young striker Ryan Noble has had hernia surgery in an attempt to ensure he is back for pre-season training.