Michael O'Neill enjoyed the perfect start to life as manager with Stoke City on Saturday, with the Potters winning 4-2 at relegation rivals Barnsley.

Two goals from Sam Clucas, a Lee Gregory penalty and a Joe Allen strike sealed the impressive victory and moved the side off the bottom of the Championship as a result.

Whilst it was a real team effort, one man who stood out was James McClean and he will hope the change in management can help revitalise his career.

The Irishman hasn't always been a popular figure among the fans and even though some of the criticism of the player has been excessive, there's no getting away from the fact that he hasn't always done enough.

However, for this season at least, you can have sympathy for McClean. He has been played out of position for most of it at left-back and it's not where he is at his best.

That changed at Oakwell though, with O'Neill handing the 30-year-old a start in his preferred left-midfield role and the ex-West Brom man responded with a strong display.

He was a threat throughout, giving the team an outlet down the flank and his strong, powerful running allowed the team to break quickly and ensured they always had an outlet.

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Of course, he also won the spot-kick that was converted by Gregory to give the Potters a crucial two-goal lead.

With Stoke not exactly blessed for options out wide, as previous boss Nathan Jones identified new recruits to suit his diamond formation, McClean should get a run in the team until January at least.

So, the former Sunderland man has to see this as a real opportunity to impress over a lengthy period as he looks to establish himself as a regular in the team under the new regime moving forward.

At his best, McClean should be a very useful side for a team that wants to fight relegation. Whilst he doesn't always have the required quality on the ball, he is a hard worker, is direct in his play, and shows the battling qualities that you need when you're in a tough situation.

O'Neill will have recognised that and if he can get more performances like the one from Saturday out of the wide man then he can play a big part in what is a new, and potentially exciting era, for the club.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.