West brom backing James McClean, says skipper Darren Fletcher

Republic of Ireland winger James McClean has been given a vote of confidence by West Brom captain Darren Fletcher. McClean has been at the centre of controversy again after turning away from the English flag during the anthem before Albion’s recent pre-season friendly in America against Charleston Battery.

But Fletcher cannot speak highly enough of the former Sunderland and Wigan wide-man, who sparked controversy before when refusing to wear a poppy on his shirt.

Fletcher said: “He doesn’t want to cause upset, he has got his beliefs about a lot of things but he is not a troublemaker, he hasn’t done anything to cause trouble, he has not done any harm to anyone. I have got a bit of an insight into it because my mum is Irish and I have got family in Derry. It’s a real sensitive subject. He’s got strong beliefs and it is great that he has those beliefs. After the (Charleston) incident, the rest of the media can have their opinion, that’s fine.