Sam Allardyce mocks James McClean with brutal response to Declan Rice comments

Gareth Fullerton
·2-min read
Photo showing Sam Allardyce laughing on the podcast
-Credit: (Image: X: @NoTippyTappyPod)


Sam Allardyce mocked James McClean over the former Republic of Ireland winger's criticism of Declan Rice.

McClean - who played alongside Rice with Ireland before the latter's switch to England - grabbed the headlines after labelling the Arsenal midfielder as "very overrated" and "not world class".

Former West Ham United boss Allardyce laughed off the criticism when speaking on the ‘No Tippy Tappy Football’ podcast alongside Bolton Wanderers legend Kevin Nolan and presenter Natalie Pike.

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“Who is he?” laughed Allardyce when asked about McClean’s comments.

“Who is he, James McClean? Who is he?. Ask Mikel Arteta… what he (Rice) has done for Arsenal last year.”

Nolan said: “Knowing Dec, that would have just made him laugh and don’t get me wrong, he didn’t have his best game in an England jersey.

“But that’s one in… I reckon 60. He’s had one bad game in 60 for England. I thought he’s been brilliant every time I’ve watched him.”

James McClean
Declan Rice of England -Credit:Getty Images

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

Nolan added: “Just going back to him (McClean). I can’t believe he’s said that and had the cojones to actually say it because Declan Rice is one of the best in the world at what he does."

Allardyce added: “He (McClean) might be saying that to keep himself popular on the television.”

Speaking on RTE's coverage of the Euros in Germany during the week, McClean commented: "I feel 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.

Photo shows Declan Rice of England
Photo shows Declan Rice of England

"For me, he’s not world class. 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. I know Toni Kroos is now retiring, but 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 is going get on the half-turn and play passes forward. He is very good at what he does."

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