James McClean reveals worsening hip issue and ‘last chance’ surgery hope at Derry City | OneFootball

James McClean has laid bare a worsening hip injury that could bring his career to an early end, following his return to boyhood club Derry City this year.

The 37-year-old said in a post that he has battled hip problems for years, and that training and playing on astro has accelerated the damage. He described the past six weeks as extremely difficult, limiting his movement on the pitch and in daily life. A specialist told him 10 days ago he should not be playing at present given the severity, though he intends to fight on.

McClean rejoined Derry in January after helping Wrexham secure back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship under Phil Parkinson. His second stint has been disrupted, with 3 assists in 11 appearances. His most recent outing was the 2-2 draw with Dundalk on April 10, when he was sent off.

The winger previously featured for Sunderland, Wigan Athletic, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City.

He said his next appointment is a last chance to hopefully obtain surgery, if it proves possible, to let him contribute in an acceptable physical state for Derry. He added that he shared the update to stop speculation, and because it could be a while, if ever, before he can speak again.

Source: Sunderland Echo