Wigan winger James McClean not dropped for poppy snub, insists 'embarrassed' Owen Coyle

BEST OFF THE BENCH - James McClean: Made one bright run down the left past Phil Jones, livening the crowd. 6 (Getty Images)

Wigan manager Owen Coyle was “embarrassed” at claims that Republic of Ireland winger James McClean was dropped from the squad for the 1-0 win over Yeovil on Sunday because he refused to wear a shirt embroidered with a poppy.

McClean received death threats last year after opting to wear an unmarked shirt for Sunderland in the run-up to Remembrance Day. But Coyle revealed he sustained a dead leg in training and had simply missed out due to injury.

He said: “The only reason James McClean didn’t play today because he was injured, it’s as simple as that. He would certainly have been involved if he was fit. I’m actually embarrassed that I’m getting asked that question in this day and age.”

Marc-Antoine Fortuné notched his first goal for Wigan 13 minutes from time, steering home Grant Holt’s low cross into an empty net.