22-year-old, McClean, began his career at former European Champions, Nottingham Forest in 2002, as a sixteen-year-old; after previously playing with St Andrews and Larne Youth at junior level.

He served a three year apprenticeship at the City Ground were under the leadership of then Forest manager, Paul Hart; who McClean regards as one of his biggest footballing influences. The young Belfast lad worked his way from the under-19 team into the Forest reserves, at a time when the club itself was struggling financially to come to terms with relegation from the English Premier League. McClean though played predominately in the centre of midfield and even on the left of the midfield – rather than his now accustomed full-back role at Ballymena. In the summer of 2004 – like hundreds of football apprentices around the UK – Craig had his heart broken, as he was released by the First Division outfit by new boss, Joe Kinnear.

After returning home and taking stock of the future of his football career, he made a surprising decision, as he joined his elder brother, Stuart, at First Division Ballyclare Comrades. The Dixon Park side were the first club to talk to McClean after his return from the Midlands, though he was also to speak with Linfield and Coleraine. He was to be a shining light in what turned out to be a dismal season for the Comrades as they finished a disappointing seventh in the First Division, after being strong favourites for the title in pre-season.

One of the high points in Craig’s first season at Ballyclare came in September 2004 when he was selected for the Northern Ireland Junior International team for the forthcoming UEFA Regions cup to be held in Slovenia. Mervyn Bell’s side got off to a flyer with McClean starting in the 4-0 victory over Malta, he also started in the scoreless draw with Mid-Chesire – the English representatives. However, Craig was only a substitute for the final game against Croatian side, Primorska, as they were knocked out of the competition – losing 3-2. He was also selected later in the season to play in a four-team tournament in Scotland with the Regions team.

Within barely a week of Tommy Wright taking over the managerial hotseat at the Braid – McClean, an insurance claims handler by day, was made one of Wright’s first signings in May 2005. He made his competitive debut against Portadown in the opening game of the 2005/06 season, in the 1-0 defeat at Shamrock Park, coming on as a late substitute for Nigel Boyd. After a handful of appearances from the bench, McClean made his first start in place of the injured Stuart King in the opening league win against Larne at the Showgrounds.

By Christmas Craig was one of the first names on the team-sheet and impressing not only the United faithful, but the local press as well – as alongside team-mate Aidan Watson and Glentoran’s Phillip Simpson – was nominated for the Northern Ireland Football Writer’s Young Player of the Year award. Although the award went to Simpson – it was due recoginition not only for McClean, but all of Tommy’s young squad at the Showgrounds – as the Sky Blues finished seventh in the Irish League. McClean was rewarded by Wright with a new two-year contract and was named on stand-by for the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad. He made 33 appearances in the 2005/06 season, however failed to score any goals.

Craig McClean's second season at the Showgrounds was a bit more disappointing, as he picked up a troublesome groin injury which put him out of action from August to December. He regained his place and settled back into the team, making a total of 26 appearances last season, but is still yet to break his goalscoring duck at United.

by Neil Coleman