Soccer:Republic of Ireland winger Aiden McGeady has welcomed the competition brought to the squad by the late inclusion of Sunderland's James McClean, who is in line to make his international debut against the Czech Republic in tomorrow night's friendly international at the Aviva Stadium.

The Spartak Moscow player has been a key player in Giovanni Trapattoni’s plans in recent times, with the manager having already confirmed that he will rely largely upon the men who got his side to the finals when he selects his squad.

The Italian has indicated both McClean and Everton defender Shane Duffy will have some involvement against the Czechs, with the nation eager to see at close hand in particular what former Derry City flyer McClean has been doing to excite the locals on Wearside since his emergence under Martin O’Neill.

McGeady admits he has seen little of the 22-year-old, but has heard only good things about him.

He said: “To be honest, in the last month or so, I have been everywhere. I have been in Spain and in training camps, and I have not seen that much football. But I have seen bits here and there and from what I know, he has been performing well and he looks like a really good prospect.

“He looks direct and pacy, and he looks as if he has got a good cross on him and a knack of scoring goals as well. He’s been doing very well, so he is obviously worthy of his call-up.”

McClean, of course, would be in direct competition with McGeady for a place in the team, but that does not faze the older man at all.

He said: “It’s the same at club level. There are always players vying for the same position in international teams. If you have a player who’s wanting to take your place, of course you need to up your game.

“I try to up my game anyway, but obviously if I do, people will say it’s down to the fact that someone is breathing down my neck, but we will see what happens. I am looking to improve and striving to do better with Ireland anyway.”