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James McClean is now a West Brom player. Twitter.com/WBAFCOfficial
Snapped Up

Ireland winger James McClean is back in the Premier League

McClean is leaving Wigan after two seasons in the Championship.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland winger James McClean.

The Premier League club announced the capture of the Derry native from Wigan Athletic on a three-year deal — with the option of an additional 12 months — for an undisclosed fee via their website this evening.

McClean, who’ll wear the number 14 shirt at the Hawthorns, said: “I’m delighted. I’ve played in the Premier League before and not only am I back here, but I’m with a stable top-flight club and one that wants to push on.

“Tony Pulis [West Brom manager] told me what his plans were, where I would fit in. It was all very positive. The Premier League is where any player wants to be. He also told me he has a great dressing room, it’s been a stable club — but he’s made it clear he wants to push this club on.

“I’m very ambitious. Everything about this move seems right for me — I’m very positive about it. Once the Albion came in this was a move I was keen to get done. This is a big club and a new chapter for me.”

McClean has spent the past two seasons in the Championship with Wigan Athletic, who he joined in 2013 after two years at Premier League club Sunderland. The former Derry City man was Wigan’s top goalscorer and Player of the Year last season.

The 26-year-old has won 30 caps for the Republic of Ireland, the most recent of which came as a substitute in the 1-1 Euro 2016 qualifier draw against Scotland in Dublin earlier this month.

“James has had a couple of indifferent years with Wigan but he did well at Sunderland and we’re very pleased to have him on board,” said West Brom boss Tony Pulis.

“I am absolutely confident that he can fulfil the potential to come back and be a big player for us. He’s got pace, he’s left-footed — so he gives us a good balance in the side — and he can score goals.”

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