Decorated international John O'Shea believes it's only a matter of time until club-mate James McClean earns his first Ireland cap.
Though it is unlikely that the youngster will figure for Ireland at Euro 2012 this summer, Sunderland team-mate O'Shea is confident that McClean can play a big part for country in the future
The 22-year-old winger was a surprise omission from Giovanni Trapattoni's squad for the friendly against Czech Republic later this month, and the Ireland boss has already indicated that McClean is unlikely to be a part in his plans for the summer.
But O'Shea, a veteran of 70 Ireland caps, says that time is on the talented youngster's side.
"I think the manager has spoken to him and said his time will come," O'Shea told The Shields Gazzette.
"He probably had so many people telling him that he was going to be in the squad, that it'll be a little bit disappointing for him.
"But as the manager has said, he's the future for Ireland and he'll have plenty of time to get his caps."
McClean has made 10 starts for Sunderland this season, and has caught the eye with some fearless performances.
"He was up against an experienced full-back in Sagna against Arsenal on Saturday, but James was never afraid to get at him, get crosses in and take him on," explained O'Shea. "He's improving on coming inside as well.
"That's part of his game he's really improving on, the awareness of not just causing teams problems by going down the outside, but darting inside as well.
"He's been amazing for us, he really has."