ON the face of it, there is not too much left to play for at Sunderland this season. For James McClean the final three matches of the Premier League campaign could be his ticket to Euro 2012.

Not only has McClean's unexpected rise to prominence over the last five months made him a regular choice in Martin O'Neill's starting line-up, it has also given him a chance of international stardom.

Despite initial claims from Giovanni Trapattoni that he would be unlikely to select any players for the finals who had contributed to them qualifying for the Ukraine and Poland showpiece, McClean was given a run out in February's friendly with the Czech Republic.

That was the recently turned 23-year-old's first outing for his country and, having impressed more established team-mates with his approach and ability, he is now in contention to head for Euro 2012.

John O'Shea, likely to be alongside him in the Sunderland team which faces Bolton this afternoon, thinks he is worthy of being a surprise inclusion in the Ireland squad this summer.

"I hope he gets in. He is going the right way about it. He is playing fantastic, creating chances and if we can score a couple of more goals before the end of the season then he will catch the manager's eye. He has a great chance," said O'Shea.

"It's been an incredible rise. It's dream stuff. Credit to him because you can easily have one or two good games in the Premier League and then become an unknown. He has become one of our best players though. Physically and mentally he has been able to cope.

"He will not be overawed if he did go to the Euros. He has shown that. He will take everything in his stride. The manager has got a squad for Ireland that has got us to the finals, so it will be a difficult decision to make. Whether he makes a couple of changes we will see."

O'Shea played all of the 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic when McClean's reward for an impressive first Premier League season was a cap when he emerged from the bench with 11 minutes remaining.

If he can display his magic against Bolton, Fulham and Manchester United in the last few matches of the season then he could force Trapattoni's arm further.

O'Shea said: "I was there against the Czech Republic when he came on. I will never forget the reception he got, it was incredible. The fans have already taken to him in Ireland."

Regardless of whether McClean makes the trip to the Euros, O'Shea himself is just looking forward to having football to think about this summer. Despite a career in which he can boast league and Champions League honours, he is ready for something new.

He said: "It's an amazing thing to look forward to. We have big games, fantastic teams we will face like Italy and Spain. We can go in with a lot of hope.

"Results against Italy have not been too great for us over the years and Spain are a fantastic team. We have to go in with the belief that we can get the results. First and foremost we will have Croatia to deal with, we will not under estimate them."