McClean Faces Career Uncertainty Due to Hip Injury
James McClean has revealed that his football career is at risk because of a persistent hip injury and is considering surgery as a potential solution.
The 37-year-old midfielder returned to Derry City this season after a three-year spell with Wrexham. However, he has stated that the astroturf surface at the Brandywell Stadium has worsened his condition. Medical advice he received indicated that he "has no business being on a football pitch" given the severity of his hip damage.
The Candystripes' current artificial pitch is being replaced with a grass surface at Derry GAA's Celtic Park, which will host at least five games until the new surface is ready. The first of these matches is scheduled for Friday, a Premier Division fixture against Shamrock Rovers at 20:00 BST.
Although McClean, who was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the 2-2 draw against Dundalk on 10 April, remains eligible to play, his focus is on what he describes as a "last chance for me to hopefully get a surgery."
"I was told by a specialist 10 days ago that my body currently 'has no business being on a football pitch' due to the severity of the damage to my hip," he posted on social media.
"I respect his honesty and his expert opinion, but I have never been one to lay down without a fight.
"Tomorrow's appointment is a last chance for me to hopefully get a surgery - if it's even a possibility - one which will allow me to do what I have dreamt of doing, and that's being able to contribute while in an acceptable physical state to do so. That is playing for a club I love in Derry City."
McClean Reflects on His Struggles with Hip Injury
The former Republic of Ireland international, who spent 15 years playing for clubs in England and Wales after initially leaving Derry City in 2011, sought to clarify the difficulties he has endured due to his hip problem.
"For the past few years, I have been playing through difficulties with my hip and though I have managed and played through the pain, the impact of training and playing on astro has sped up the damage much faster than I ever anticipated," he explained.
"The past six weeks have been hell - pain is something I have been able to get on with and play with throughout my career, but it is the restriction and not being able to move which is what I am struggling with physically obviously, but also mentally."
