James McClean closes Twitter account after death threats following Ireland selection for Euro 2012

James McClean has impressed at club side Sunderland (GETTY IMAGES)

James McClean has closed his Twitter account after receiving death threats following his selection for the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 finals squad.

The 23-year-old Derry-born Sunderland winger made the move after he was sent a message saying he "deserved to be shot" for opting to play for the Republic rather than Northern Ireland.

McClean was the subject of abuse earlier this season when he announced his decision, which is allowed under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

Northumbria Police today confirmed they have received no complaint, while a spokesman for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: "We do not discuss the security of any individual.

"However, if we receive information that a person's life may be at risk, we will inform them accordingly. We never ignore anything which may put an individual at risk."

McClean is currently on Wearside preparing for Sunday's final Barclays Premier League fixture of the season against Manchester United.

Black Cats chief executive Margaret Byrne said: "Any incidents of this nature are treated with the utmost seriousness and the club is looking into this matter carefully."

McClean was also inundated with messages of support from both sides of the border following his inclusion on Monday in Giovanni Trapattoni's 23-man squad for the finals in Poland and Ukraine.

He has just one senior cap to his name to date, and that from an appearance as a substitute in a friendly against the Czech Republic in February.

His emergence from the bench was greeted by rapturous applause by fans at the Aviva Stadium, and his form for Sunderland since has earned him a seat on the plane.

The Football Association of Ireland expressed disappointment with the threats aimed at the player, and backed his decision to withdraw from the social network site.

A spokesman said: "It's a pity it has come to this, but it is maybe in his best interests in the short term."

Trapattoni's players will be able to use Twitter during the tournament, which gets under way for them with a game against Croatia in Poznan on June 10, but under specified guidelines.