Republic of Ireland centurion McClean has been promoting his new autobiography 'The Walls'

Derry City have released a statement regarding James McClean's comments in the Sunday Independent about men's mental health.

McClean is promoting a new autobiography, 'The Walls' which goes on sale next week, and spoke to The Sunday Independent yesterday (October 18).

The Republic of Ireland centurion has enjoyed many ups and downs in his career but said that he had never tried therapy.

He explained: "As a man I see it as a weakness that I'd have to speak to someone about my feelings; my emotions".

Derry City FC's statement said, "The Club wishes to make it clear that these views do not reflect our core values or beliefs.

"The Club places the highest priority on the mental health and wellbeing of our players, staff and the wider Derry community."

Men's Action Network (MAN) is a Derry-based charity focused on supporting men and challenging the existing stigma around men's mental health.

Chairperson Michael Lynch has said, “James McClean is an influential figure, particularly for young men in our community. With that influence comes an opportunity to encourage men to seek support.

“MAN is very aware of the dangers of reinforcing the stigma which might prevent them from doing so,

“We would welcome the opportunity to meet with James and Derry City FC to discuss this issue. Our door is open. This is not about attacking anyone personally; it is about challenging a message we believe is wrong and explaining why it matters,” he added.

This controversy comes only 13 days after the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland released a statement on behalf of McClean announcing that they are representing him in a dispute over the terms of his contract with Derry FC.

The dispute is thanks to McClean's lack of playing time since returning from injury and the apparent termination of his contract due to that injury issue.