JAMES McClean’s manager Tony Pulis has ordered the Ireland international to fall in line with West Brom’s club policies.
The Derry native has been the subject of debate once again this week after refusing to acknowledge the British national anthem as a Union Jack flag flew in a friendly for his new club in a pre-season match in the US.
Welshman Pulis missed the incident but he has seen images of McClean with his head bowed as his team-mates observed God Save the Queen, and he does not expect a repeat of the incident.
Ireland international James McClean under fire after turning his back on God Save the Queen http://t.co/tbTExi8JC4 pic.twitter.com/U1LPtXBTow
— Independent Sport (@IndoSport) July 19, 2015
“I've seen the pictures and he's got to turn towards the flag like everybody else has and he recognises that,” Pulis told the Wolverhampton Express & Star.
“I didn't see the situation but I had a chat with him and explained what we do as a football club and the way we are and I think he's fine with everything.
“So hopefully we've nipped it in the bud and we can get on with our things and he can get on with his things.”
McClean has made a name for himself for sticking to his political principles, having refused to wear a Remembrance Day poppy on his shirt during his Sunderland and Wigan days.
However, Pulis insists McClean has settled in at West Brom and does not foresee the 26-year-old causing a divide within the players’ squad.
He added: “Obviously there has been a stigma around him and he doesn't need to start that up again.
“We've got Northern Ireland lads in the squad and he's been absolutely fantastic with them, and the way he's mixed and integrated with the group has been brilliant.”
West Brom have now left America - where it is a tradition to play the national anthems of two competing sides in sport - with their pre-season tour to continue against Swindon on July 25.
