When James McClean made the move to Stoke City in the summer it looked like an inspired signing for the Championship.

Flash-forward to February, however, and it is safe to say that he has not had the best time of it at the Bet365 stadium, scoring just once and assisting seven in his 26 appearances this season.

He was teased with an appealing move late in the January transfer window, as well, when his former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill apparently tried to bring him to Nottingham Forest.

McClean had always been a favourite of the veteran boss on the international stage and there is no doubt that a reunion will have tickled his fancy, especially having only started once during Nathan Jones' Stoke reign.

But the move never materialised, leaving the pair apart at least until the summer.

So, how will McClean be feeling after the brief saga?

I think he will be absolutely gutted to have missed out on this move.

McClean has not looked at all happy during his time with Stoke this season and I think a reunion with O'Neill, who knows how to get the best out of him, will have been really appealing to him.

But he needs to be professional now. He signed a contract with the Potters back in the summer and needs to honour it.

There is no doubt that he will have wanted that move to Forest, however.