Derryjournal - Former Derry City striker Eamon Zayed believes James McClean can make an impact for the Republic of Ireland at the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine this month.

McClean, along with fellow Derry man, Darron Gibson, is part of the 23 man squad that will be involved in group games against Croatia, Spain and Italy respectively.

Zayed, who now plays for Iranian team Persepolis F.C., was at the Brandywell to cheer on his old team against Shelbourne on Friday night. He said that his old team mate McClean certainly has what it takes and added that he has no doubt that he can make something happen for the team if given his chance.

“I can’t wait for the Euros and I am delighted that James [McClean] made it into the squad. I’d have been devastated had he not made it into the squad because for the second of the Premiership season he has been exceptional.

“I always knew James would do well but I didn’t think that he would do it in such a short space of time. James has no fear and has taken his style of play from the League of Ireland straight into the Premiership and I’d be delighted to see him playing for Ireland at the Euros. I definitely think he could make an impact.”

Zayed, who is a Libya international asked not to be involved with the country’s two world cup qualifiers with Togo and Cameroon respectively so that he could visit friends and family in both Dublin and Derry.

“I actually should be in Libya right now for two world cup qualifiers against Togo and Cameroon but I requested a little more time off to see friends and family back home in Ireland.