REPORTS THAT IRELAND winger James McClean was left out of Wigan’s team for refusing to wear a poppy were laughed off by manager Owen Coyle after their 1-0 win over Yeovil Town today.
However, speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Latics boss Coyle branded the claims “embarrassing” and revealed that McClean is suffering from a dead leg.
“The only reason James McClean didn’t play today because he was injured, it’s as simple as that,” Coyle told Sky Sports.
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“He would certainly have been involved if he was fit. I’m never evasive and always up front, but I’m actually embarrassed that I’m getting asked that question in this day and age.”
McClean was included in the Ireland squad to take on Latvia and Poland and is due to travel to Dublin to link up with new manager Martin O’Neill tomorrow.
Wigan boss rejects claims McClean was dropped over refusal to wear poppy
REPORTS THAT IRELAND winger James McClean was left out of Wigan’s team for refusing to wear a poppy were laughed off by manager Owen Coyle after their 1-0 win over Yeovil Town today.
Speculation on Twitter suggested that the Derry-born player, who chose not to wear the Rememberance Day emblem on his jersey while at Sunderland last year, had been dropped from this afternoon’s squad.
However, speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Latics boss Coyle branded the claims “embarrassing” and revealed that McClean is suffering from a dead leg.
“The only reason James McClean didn’t play today because he was injured, it’s as simple as that,” Coyle told Sky Sports.
“He would certainly have been involved if he was fit. I’m never evasive and always up front, but I’m actually embarrassed that I’m getting asked that question in this day and age.”
McClean was included in the Ireland squad to take on Latvia and Poland and is due to travel to Dublin to link up with new manager Martin O’Neill tomorrow.
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