James McClean has criticised Derry City after the club attempted to terminate his contract over a hip injury, a move he calls "incomprehensible." The PFAI revealed Derry invoked Section 18 of the Standard Players Contract, citing "permanent incapacity," but McClean insists he is fit and capable.
"I am not permanently incapacitated, or anything even remotely close to that," McClean said. "I will decide when I retire. Nobody else will make that decision for me." The PFAI confirmed he has trained fully for nine weeks and played in an internal match.
Derry City manager Connolly called the statement's timing "frustrating" ahead of Saturday's FAI Cup semi-final against Galway United. The club said it was not notified beforehand and will not comment further on McClean's medical condition.
Derry added that selection remains the management's prerogative, and all fully fit players are available for the match.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing