On the surface of it, James McClean seems like the ideal Tony Pulis player.
While the Irishman doesn’t have the technical ability of Alexis Sanchez or Riyad Mahrez, he’s industrious and isn’t afraid to get stuck into a challenge.
Of course, sometimes the former Wigan man takes things a little too far, like his recent horrific tackle on Bournemouth’s Adam Smith which earned him a three-match ban.
Pulis has since had a word with the McClean, and explained to him what he needs to do.
“We talked to James after the Tottenham game,” he said. “That was a rash challenge. So for him to do it two games later, irrespective of whether the full-back had just done him or not, is just stupid.
“I have had a good chat with him and he understands. He’s a good lad. It was just the fact that that challenge came so quickly after the challenge on him. That mist was still there. He’s got to wash that away because it’s just petulance and we can’t afford that.
“He’s got to realise that now that people will be aware. If he makes a mistake the next time he’s going to get punished.
