WEST BROM HEAD coach Tony Pulis has urged winger James McClean to be careful and not react to volatile situations, after his celebrations after last weekend’s win over Sunderland landed him in hot water.
The ex-Sunderland man gestured in front of the visiting fans at The Hawthorns after the 1-0 victory – prompting angry reactions from former team-mates Lee Cattermole and Danny Graham.
Derry-born McClean has previously been subjected to criticism for failing to wear a Remembrance Day poppy during his time at Sunderland and turning away from the British national anthem during a pre-season friendly for West Brom.
While Pulis has no qualms with the Ireland international’s stance, he urged the player not to react in future, having avoided possible action from the FA.
“(I have) no problems at all, it’s not what I personally believe but if that’s what James believes then that’s what he believes,” explained the West Brom boss.
“I’ve had a chat with him, you’ve got to be careful what you do today, he was taking stick all game and he saluted our supporters and on that side the Sunderland supporters were there.
“Doing that to the Sunderland supporters – he’s just got to be careful. He was delighted that we’d won, it was against his old club, which gives it a bit of added spice but you’ve got to be cool and hold yourself back at times and James has to do that.
He’s a good lad, he’s integrated fantastically well within the group he’s just got to be careful.
“I just think it was a celebration because we won the game. If you look at it, his first celebration was to our supporters.
“The Sunderland supporters had been giving him a load of stick all afternoon. He shouldn’t react but the FA have been sensible in what they’ve done.”
Cruden is no mug at all he would make most test sudes at 10- BUT…… This will certainly help Kieran read is a huge loss, Mccaw is no 8!nnCome on lads, your bravery last week deserves a victory !!
Totally agree with Richard. NZ without Carter are a different team but still a great team. Hopefully this will give our lads the lift to get out there for a third week and hammer McCaw good and proper.
Hurrah! Except that Aaron Cruden is the form 10 in the world right now. Read would normally be a loss but the battle of this series has been the breakdown, when NZ were in trouble last week in that area they brought on Cane as a second fetcher alongside McCaw. They’re going with this from the start this time to nullify O’Brien and any other would be pillagers and if it works we’ll lose quite comfortably. Hopefully McLaughlin can have another stormer and give us a chance.