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'Clearly' - Former West Brom winger causes stir in hometown after contract claim Things have not worked out smoothly for ex-Albion winger James McClean since he swapped north Wales for his hometown. Former Albion winger James McClean insists he is “clearly” still part of the plans at hometown club Derry City - despite reports about his uncertain future. The 37-year-old checked into training on Tuesday morning at his club’s base after claims emerged McClean’s lack of fitness could see him make an exit early into a three-year contract. Veteran former Republic of Ireland winger McClean returned to his hometown club in January almost 15 years after first moving to England. But McClean’s action was limited to just 12 starts of the outfit’s 27 League of Ireland Premier fixtures. It has been reported in Ireland that Derry could be ready to terminate McClean’s contract with more than two years to run because of a lack of ‘physical capacity’. McClean was asked by reporters on Tuesday morning whether he was still a Derry player and the ex-Baggie replied “clearly”. Speculation claimed Derry feel McClean is unable to fulfil the terms of his contract because he is not fit enough to play or train. It is expected that an independent physician will be used to determine his fitness. McClean swapped Wrexham for Derry in January to bring to an end 14 years in English football. As well as the Baggies, the 103-cap international represented Sunderland, Wigan - twice - Stoke and Wrexham and has almost clocked up 700 senior club games. His three years spell at The Hawthorns featured 112 appearances and five goals in all competitions, but culminated in relegation from the Premier League in 2018. He departed for Stoke for £5million that summer. McClean has seldom been away from controversy in a colourful playing career, where he has often sparked ire due to a refusal to wear a poppy or partake in Remembrance Day celebrations, the former which he explained is due to links to historical events in his hometown. Shortly into his time at Albion, the winger made headlines when he turned his back on the British national anthem during the Baggies’ pre-season tour of the United States.