James McClean reveals death threats in searingly honest BBC interview

James McClean may not be everyone's cup of tea but no-one can doubt that he gives it his absolute all for club and country.

The Derry native is revered and respected by so many in Ireland but that's not exactly the story across the water. McLean's combative nature, political stance, position on not wearing poppies on his jersey and the fact that he is never short of an opinion have all led to him copping untold abuse from stands across England. Ahead of West Brom's game with Leicester, this weekend, the Republic of Ireland and Baggies midfielder sat down with the BBC for a frank, honest interview on his life on and off the pitch. https://twitter.com/juliette_grace/status/858009080937549826 During the interview, McClean dismissed the notion that he is a dirty player and claimed he is merely driven to do his damnedest to get all three points for his team. When asked about the flak he takes for expressing political opinions, McClean revealed that he had received death threats in the past. Following the Football Focus interview, there was a resounding wave of support for McClean: https://twitter.com/DillonSmith69/status/858277216706318336 https://twitter.com/frylowerwhack/status/858278154678538240 https://twitter.com/Ben_Paddy/status/858276670029090817 https://twitter.com/SeanHego_/status/858277672451018753 He changed the minds of several people: https://twitter.com/Ozey05/status/858278961478086656 https://twitter.com/j_arney/status/858278714894954500 https://twitter.com/bhavikghelani/status/858280153054666756 https://twitter.com/KingTut_10/status/858278835321802752 But there will always be those that simply want to hate him: https://twitter.com/garethg0704/status/858277156006318080 https://twitter.com/VivaLaCharlotte/status/858277201988464641 https://twitter.com/Kevan_Rickard/status/858276923671273472 You can't please everyone, especially when there are so many close-minded souls out there.