WEST BROM CAPTAIN Darren Fletcher has defended new team-mate James McClean, after the winger found himself at the centre of controversy once again.
The Derry-born Irish international was widely criticised for refusing to turn and face the English flag when God Save the Queen was played before Albion’s recent pre-season friendly in America against Charleston Battery.
But Fletcher has backed McClean and dismissed any suggestion that his comments had any affect on his relationship with his new teammates.
“He doesn’t want to cause upset, he has got his beliefs about a lot of things,” the former Manchester United midfielder said. “He’s 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 really sensitive subject. He’s got strong beliefs and it is great that he has those beliefs.”
Fletcher continued that he cannot speak highly enough of the former Sunderland and Wigan man’s abilities on the pitch.
“James has been brilliant, he has settled into the squad fantastically, showed a great attitude. He is a really popular member of the dressing-room.
“He is one of the best athletes I have seen in terms of stamina and running – he is an absolute machine. I can’t speak highly enough of him and his attitude — the way he has trained and played and the way he has been off the pitch.”
The 26-year-old will also be buoyed by the reception he got from the Albion fans at last weekend’s match with Walsall.
“The fans got behind him at the weekend and that speaks volumes of the Albion fans and I hope that continues. I was really pleased to hear it and I’m sure it was a real confidence booster for him because his aware of it.
“After the incident the rest of the media can have their opinion. The rest of the football fans around the country can have their opinion, but the most important thing I can do is relay to the fans how good a guy he has been.
“I think he is going to be a real good player and a great addition to the squad. For how much the club picked him up for (£1.5m), I think he will be a real bargain.”