A couple of weeks ago, we brought you the news that Patrick McClean, the younger brother of James McClean, was heading off to League One side Walsall for a trial.
And it seems to have been going pretty well.
Perhaps Patrick has been enjoying being located near to the elder McClean, who plays only a stone's throw away from Walsall with West Bromwich Albion. Or maybe he has been hitting shots like this one in training. Either way, Patrick McClean seems to have endeared himself to those at the club.
That's according to the Walsall gaffer Jon Whitney when he was in conversation with Midlands publication 'Express and Star'. Whitney said he is extending McClean's stay at the club so that he can have a bit more of a look at him:
I’m not in a position to offer him anything at the moment but he is such a great kid and the lads have really taken to him.
If things develop over the next two or three weeks then so be it. At the moment I am not offering him anything but he is still here training with us.
I wanted to keep him with the group because I really like him as a kid. But I need to look at him a bit longer.
This seems to indicate Patrick shares his brother's work ethic and determination - something the 19 year-old himself seems to confirm with his own comments:
I was in for three days for Walsall to have a look at me and I came in, worked hard and showed I was good enough to be there," he said. "He (Whitney) asked me to stay on for another few weeks and he’s giving me a chance. It’s down to me now.
I’m training every day with the first team and have had a game with the reserves and I’m absolutely loving it.
(Express and Star)
