SUNDERLAND officials are confident James McClean will be available for the Wear-Tyne derby with Newcastle despite being forced to withdraw from international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

McClean complained of pain in his hip in the wake of Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, and scans have revealed a grade one strain to his hip flexor muscles.

The winger has been withdrawn from the Ireland squad for Friday's World Cup qualifier with Germany and remained on Wearside for treatment.

A decision on his possible participation in Tuesday's game in the Faroe Islands will be taken later this week, but his involvement in the Wear-Tyne derby on October 21 is not currently believed to be in doubt.