Derry's James McClean warned about future behaviour at West Brom

Derry’s James McClean has been warned about his future behaviour at his new club after refusing to turn and face England’s flag of St George prior to a pre-season friendly in America.

While his West Bromwich Albion team mates turned and faced England’s flag of St George during the playing of “God Save the Queen” before their 2-1 pre-season win against Charleston Battery in Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston South Carolina on Friday, the Creggan man did not move and stood with his head bowed (pictured).

His actions resulted in Baggies manager Tony Pulis issuing a post-match warning to the 26-year-old about his future behaviour.

It is understood the Republic of International will not be fined but has been told not to repeat his actions and to modify his stance.

It is not the first time the former Derry City favourite has been involved in controversy.

He has continually faced criticism ever since the refused to wear a Poppy on his Sunderland jersey for a Barclays Premiership clash with Everton in November 2012.

He later revealed the Black Cats refused to allow him to explain publicly the reason for his refusal.

However, last year he wrote a letter to chairman Dave Whelan when he repeated his stance while at Wigan Athletic.

He wrote: ‘For me to wear a poppy would be as much a gesture of disrespect for the innocent people who lost their lives in the Troubles – and Bloody Sunday especially - as I have in the past been accused of disrespecting the victims of WWI and WWII

“‘It would be seen as an act of disrespect to those people; to my people.

“I am very proud of where I come from and I just cannot do something that I believe is wrong. In life, if you’re a man you should stand up for what you believe in.”

McClean joined West Brom from Wigan Athletic last month for an undisclosed sum, believed to be in the region of £1.5 million, and scored the opening goal in the Birmingham cllub’s pre-season game with Richmond Kickers on Monday last.