James McClean will be an Imp, says agent

James McClean is destined to become a Lincoln City player after the winger's agent admitted it "is a case of when, not if" he ties up a deal to Sincil Bank.

The Imps have so far been thwarted in their attempts to land the talented wideman who is a free agent after League of Ireland side Derry were plunged into administration.

But the Football Association of Ireland have refused to sanction the move until the transfer window opens in January amid growing condemnation they are denying the 20-year-old a living.

McClean's agent, Gerry Carlile, again ramped up his own appeal to let common sense prevail as he urged the English FA and FIFA to help end the dispute.

But should the wrangle not reach a successful conclusion, Carlile assured Lincoln that his client would still sign for them in January and not head elsewhere.

"It is a ludicrous, ludicrous, situation and without a shadow of a doubt. Morally, it is wrong on so many levels," he said.

"But no matter what happens, he will become a Lincoln player and I've told other clubs that is where he will be heading.

"Now whether that will be in a few weeks, or in the New Year, who knows? That will be down to the FAI.

"The situation is so, so, messy and even though they have made the decision they have yet to comment on why they have taken it, which is unfair.

"I know Lincoln have contacted the FA and hopefully they will help one of their members come to a solution.

"James really wants to play for Lincoln, they are a good club, but that is being denied by the reluctance of the FAI to sign a piece of paper, that's all it is.

"The most important aspect to remember in all this is that this is not through any fault of James, yet he is the one being punished and, rightfully, he's upset."

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