James McClean told to channel frustration as FA contact Huddersfield over missiles

Bottles, coins, and lighters were thrown at the Baggies winger after he lunged in dangerously at Tom Ince near the byline.

McClean has been told to channel his frustration by Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill, who believes the 28-year-old flew into the challenge partly because he is annoyed at his lack of game time under Tony Pulis.

McClean was shown a yellow card for the reckless challenge but then caught a missile thrown at him from the home fans. He later labelled his attackers as ‘cowards’.

In a statement, the FA said: “We have now received the match officials’ report and will be seeking observations from Huddersfield Town AFC.”

McClean has been O’Neill’s talisman in the World Cup qualifiers so far, and was named the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs’ player of the season for 2016/17.

He has now joined up with the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of their two-legged play-off against Denmark.

And when he arrived, O’Neill asked him why he felt the need to run 70 yards to make a dangerous challenge on Ince.

"He has gone 70 yards to lamp the lad, hasn't he?” said O’Neill. “And missed him, apparently, according to James.

"He has just told me he missed him. I just said, 'James, what about the intention? Intention is now part of the game'.

"The fact that you might have missed him - had you hit him you'd probably have put him over the stand.’

"McClean has been great for us. He just has to channel that frustration — and he is frustrated at the moment.

"I think from a lot of things, obviously not getting into a side that is not winning some football matches and maybe he thinks that he should."

Huddersfield Town have been asked by the Express & Star if they are investigating the incident on Saturday but are yet to respond.