James McClean challenges Derry City contract move and insists he is fit to play

James McClean has publicly challenged Derry City's handling of his contract dispute, saying he remains able to play and will make his own decision about retirement. BBC Sport NI reported that the 37-year-old former Republic of Ireland international set out his position in a statement published on Tuesday by the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland, which also disputed the basis for ending his deal.

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McClean rejoined his hometown club from Wrexham in January, but has not appeared in a match-day squad since Derry's Conference League defeat by Rijeka in early July. He remains outside interim manager Mark Connolly's squad. In his statement, McClean maintained that he was fit and ready for selection, rejecting the suggestion that his physical condition should bring his playing career to an end.

According to the PFAI statement cited by the BBC, Derry tried to use Section 18 of the Standard Players Contract. The provision allows termination with six months' notice where an independent physician confirms a player has a permanent incapacity. McClean disputed that description of his condition and criticised what he regarded as a lack of fair procedure or justification for the club's approach.

The union said a hip problem had intermittently affected McClean, leading him to miss some matches and training sessions. It said he had received treatment, was now well and had participated fully in training for nine weeks. The PFAI also said he had recently taken part in an internal club match and had not received an explanation he considered satisfactory for his continued exclusion.

McClean also acknowledged that some of his own actions in recent months had been ill-judged. He apologised and said his frustrations should have been handled privately within the club. Alongside that acknowledgement, he argued that he could still contribute in the League of Ireland and should receive fair treatment and care comparable to other Derry players.

BBC Sport NI sought a response from Derry City. A club spokesperson said its immediate attention was on the FAI Cup semi-final against Galway United on Saturday, rather than addressing the details of McClean's claims. The reported response did not provide the club's account of the contractual or medical issues raised by the player and his union.