Express & Star

James McClean: Can't play with passion if you don't play at all

James McClean has voiced his frustrations over his limited game time at the Baggies.

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James McClean, right, remained an unused substitute on Saturday. (AMA)

The 28-year-old shared a photo of himself scoring the famous winner against Wales for the Republic of Ireland earlier this month with the caption, ‘... funny old game.’

He then responded to a supporter who asked him to ‘bring that same passion to Albion’, by saying: “Can’t play with passion if you don’t play at all.”

McClean hasn’t started a league game for the Baggies since the middle of August and has been limited to cameo appearances off the bench since then.

McClean's Instagram post.

He’s only played six minutes in an Albion shirt since his morale-boosting winner for Martin O’Neill’s side and remained an unused substitute during the 1-0 defeat at Southampton on Saturday.

Including the Carabao Cup tie with Accrington Stanley, Albion have won all three games the winger has started this season, and have failed to win any of their matches since he was dropped from the starting line-up.

Head coach Tony Pulis has preferred Jay Rodriguez and Nacer Chadli on the left wing so far, but the Baggies have struggled to counter-attack with pace.

McClean only has four goals in 86 appearances for the Baggies but he improved last season and was one of the few players who stood tall during a disappointing run-in.