Martin O’Neill plans to speak to James McClean after latest controversy

James McClean has an ally in Martin O'Neill.

The Derry winger has been among the headlines recently after appearing to turn his back on the English national anthem and flag during a pre-season friendly in the United States. McClean was also in the news last week when Kirk Broadfoot was given a record 10 game ban for using a sectarian slur against the player in a game last March. However, despite being a controversial and divisive persona to some, O'Neill remains a big fan of the player, who flourished under his management at Sunderland back in 2012. O'Neill says he plans to speak with the West Brom winger soon, but wouldn't reveal the exact nature of the conversation. "I'll hopefully meet him in the next couple of weeks and just maybe have a wee bit of a chat to him," said the Ireland manager. "I'll have a wee chat to him and see how he is. I like James a lot. I like him as a player, and I like him as a person. "I'll have a few words to him. Not in a paternal fashion, but as coach to player." H/T Irish Independent.