‘James has more courage in his little finger than I have in my whole body,’ says Martin O’Neill on McClean poppy stance

Former Ireland manager backed Wrexham winger McClean on poppy decision.

James McClean

James McClean is likely to face criticism over his decision not to wear a poppy in the next few weeks, yet former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill believes the Derry-born winger is right to take a stance on the issue.

McClean has been targeted with abuse on social media platforms over the last decade after refusing to wear a Remembrance Day poppy, which commemorates the members of the military who lost their lives serving their country.

The stance has seen Ireland and Wrexham winger McClean come under repeated attack during a career that has included spells at Sunderland, Wigan and West Brom and Stoke.

Now former Northern Ireland international O’Neill defended McClean’s position, as he gave his views to radio station talkSPORT.

"James McClean took a stance on the poppy,” began O’Neill, who managed McClean during his tenure as Republic of Ireland boss.

"This is what he felt at the time and I’m sure he feels the same now. He refused to wear the poppy and that is entirely his decision.

"James McClean as the person that I know, he realised he would take a lot of abuse not only from away fans, but from home fans as well. He was prepared to do that.

"James McClean, as a person, has more courage in his little finger than I have in my whole body, believe it or not.

"He took the stance knowing what was going to happen in the future and it did. I’m not so sure I would have had that courage.”

McClean spoke about his position on the poppy during his appearance with Patrick Kiely on the Late Late Show last month, as he confirmed he has no regrets over is decision.

"I knew when I took the stance, there was going to be consequences,” said