'Stay classy' - McClean jeered on Derry return

Former Republic of Ireland winger James McClean assisted the only goal of the game on his return to Derry City colours as the Candystripes beat Shamrock Rovers 1-0 to lift the President's Cup at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday evening.

The 36-year-old, who re-signed for his hometown club from Wrexham last month, was jeered by home supporters throughout his return to the League of Ireland, sarcastically applauding Rovers' fans after providing the cross for Darragh Markey's goal in the 33rd minute.

After the game, McClean posted "stay classy" on social media and alleged he had been subjected to sectarian chanting during the game.

The 103-times capped international, who spent time posing for pictures with Rovers fans following the final whistle, later posted to explain that his refusal to speak to written media after the game was due to an issue with a journalist dating back to 2017 and predict that Arsenal-bound opposition midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna will go on to be a "top player if he continues to work hard" after his move to the Premier League leaders in January 2027.

In what Derry manager Tiernan Lynch had branded a "glorified friendly" between last season's double winners and his league runners-up, McClean was one of six new signings on show for the Brandywell outfit, starting in central midfield alongside former Northern Ireland midfielder Carl Winchester.

McLean's brother Patrick was another of Lynch's off-season arrivals to feature as Derry warmed up for the start of their league campaign at home to Sligo Rovers on 6 February.