International Roundup: McClean Giving Trapattoni Much To Think About

There were a few players in international action this midweek as many countries make final preparations for Euro 2012 this summer in Poland and Ukraine.

Only a couple in action, so we'll rattle through them fairly quickly for you as we know that you're all wondering how they got on...

Starting on Monday, John Egan made his first start for the Irish Under-21 side in a 2-1 defeat to Denmark at Tallaght Stadium. Egan started the game at right-back as opposed to the usual centre-back role he plays for our youths and reserves, and did well despite the result.

Playing the full 90 minutes, Egan was impressive getting up and down the line, and could have won his side a penalty shortly after the hour, however he elected to stay on his feet, and the Danes cleared. Generally though, a good outing for the lad, and he'll be assured of a place in the next squad.

Sticking with an Irish flavour, James McClean and Kieren Westwood both played their part in Ireland's 5-0 win over a Tuscany XI to claim the SNAI Cup.

The silverware wasn't really the point of the game, it was more just about match fitness given the opposition was made up entirely of local, barely part-time players, so the result came as no shock.

Westwood as expected had very little to do as the Tuscan's managed just one shot on target in the entire 90 minutes, which Westwood didn't have to make, although they did strike the post while our second string keeper was on duty. He was replaced at half-time by Ireland's third choice keeper, David Forde.

McClean however once again impressed during his 45 minute stint, and was a huge danger all night, meaning that between himself, Aiden McGeady and Damien Duff, Giovanni Trapattoni has a lot to think about headed to the tournament.

McClean started on the left hand side of midfield, and terrorised his opposing right-back, and getting a huge amount of crosses in to the area, although ultimately Simon Cox, who started the game, was unable to finish. Later in the half McClean swapped to the right hand side and was equally impressive. From here he cut inside and forced the opposing keeper, Francesco Gaffino, into two great saves before he was replaced at half time.

Seb Larsson continued his recovery form injury and started for Sweden in their 3-2 win over Iceland last night. Larsson made a good impact too. After only two minutes he combined well with Markus Rosenberg which ended with Larsson crossing for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to volley home with power.

Larsson was withdrawn at half time, and replaced by former Sunderland midfielder, and interviewee on this very site, Tobias Hysen.

Lastly Ji Dong-Won started for South Korea against Spain as the Asian side were crushed 4-1 by the 'hosting' side (for some reason the game was played in Switzerland). Ji wasted what was one of Korea's better chances in the 39th minute when following a rare breakaway, he was put through on goal, but dallied to allow Sergio Ramos to recover and end any danger. Ji was replaced on 59 minutes, replaced by Hyun-Beom Park.