'Bitterness' behind James McClean comments says former Manchester United star

Dwight Yorke believes there "might have been a bit of bitterness" in James McClean's criticism of Declan Rice after the former Republic of Ireland star claimed the England midfielder was "very overrated".

Despite Rice's impressive season with Arsenal, and his 53 caps for England, McClean doesn't believe the Gunners star is "world class".

Speaking on RTE's coverage of the Euros, McClean said: “I think Declan Rice is very overrated. Don't get me wrong, I think he's a very good footballer, but the way the English media wax lyrical about him is completely over the top. For me, he's not world class.

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“To me world class is someone who gets in every side in the world. I don't think he does that. I don't think he gets in the Man City side ahead of Rodri. To me Toni Kroos is world class. He dictates the game, Rodri dictates the game.

"I don't think Declan Rice does that. He's not someone who gets it on the half turn, plays passes forward. He's very good at what he does.”

James McClean played with Declan Rice for the Republic of Ireland (Image: Getty Images)

When asked if Rice was a different type of player to the likes of Rodri and Kroos, McClean continued his takedown, adding: “They play the same role so why can't they do the same things?

"If you're going to give him this much hype and reputation, surely he should be able to do what they do. He sees danger and he puts out fires, but for the hype that surrounds him I don't think it's justified.”

Yorke believes Rice is one of England's "main players", after the midfielder initially started his international football journey with the Republic of Ireland. He played three friendlies for Ireland due to his grandparents being from Cork, in 2018 but switched to England a year later.

Yorke told Best Payout Online Slots : "Declan Rice had a tremendous season and is one of England's main players. Although Arsenal came up short, he made a real impact at the club.

"He's crucial for England, you have to get the maximum out of him. But he was very average against Denmark, and you can see what James McClean is trying to say.

"One game does not define a player, however. There might be a bit of bitterness because Rice switched nationality, but I can't say for sure."

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