West Brom should be targeting European finish, insists McClean

The former Sunderland midfielder believes that Tony Pulis’ side should aim high and attempt to qualify for the Europa League after a positive start to the season

James McClean believes that West Bromwich Albion should be aiming for a place in Europe after making a strong start to the Premier League and revealed that he is “very happy” at the club.

West Brom climbed to seventh in the league table after their 3-1 win over Watford at the weekend and they are on a four-match unbeaten run heading into a busy December schedule, which includes games against Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

McClean has featured in 12 league games this season, scoring in September’s 4-2 victory against West Ham United and the Republic of Ireland international is positive about the Baggies’ chances.

“I’m very happy here, I can’t stress that enough. I’ve got a good manager and great team-mates.” McClean said in an interview with RTE.

“Things are going well on the pitch as well. We’re a stable Premier League club. Let’s push on now and get a top-half finish or maybe, you never know, a European finish.

“Without putting too much pressure on ourselves, I think that’s got to be the aim. You want to aim as high as possible. We’ve had a good start to the season. Hopefully we can go on a good run and achieve a respectable Premier League finish.”

A big factor in McClean’s happiness at West Brom has been the influence of Tony Pulis, who brought the controversial 27-year-old to the Hawthorns in 2015 from Wigan Athletic.

Having been given the opportunity to play in the Premier League again, the former Sunderland midfielder says that he is keen to repay the faith that his manager has shown in him.

“He (Pulis) plucked me from obscurity when we got relegated to League One with Wigan. You’re sitting there, just relegated to League One, thinking ‘what’s next for me?’ And he’s given me that opportunity to be back in the Premier League,” said McClean.

“He’s played me in a lot of games since I’ve been here and he’s really brought my game on as well. So for him to show that faith, giving me that opportunity, I can’t thank him enough.

“The way to thank him is through my performances and hopefully I’m doing that.”