McClean set to trade boots for boxing gloves in late career turn

Oct 30 : Former Ireland international and Wrexham captain James McClean is a free agent after parting ways with hometown club Derry City on Wednesday and, though he is not done with soccer, his next sporting appearance may be in boxing rather than football. 

The combative 37-year-old, who made his name with Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion and has more than 100 caps, is a boxing fanatic and told Reuters that he wanted to take on British TV star Joey Essex in a bout for the Misfits promotion. 

The former Premier League player was speaking to Reuters following the publication of his autobiography, "The Walls". 

Known for his direct, no-nonsense style and competitive fire as a footballer, McClean has boxed for years as part of a daily training schedule that keeps him fit physically and mentally. He is relishing the chance to test his skills in the ring. 

"Sparring is great, pads are great, bags are great, but there's only one way to find out (how good I am), and that's stepping in the ring," he said. 

"Boxing's new to me, so of course there's something I want to prove for myself because it's not something that I've excelled at before ... if that is what's next then, obviously, it's exciting."

Having devoted his life to football, McClean is well aware that he does not have the time to start at the bottom of the boxing ladder and work his way up.

The recent surge in "influencer boxing", where everyone from high-profile social media figures to reality TV stars meet in the ring, means it is an attractive option. 

"I'm almost 38 soon so for me to start a professional boxing career and go down that route, starting from scratch, it's just not plausible, given my age and having to do that," he said.

"It (influencer boxing) gives you the