James McClean hits back at vile Covid-19 death wishes

Ireland international James McClean has hit back at social media trolls.

The Stoke City winger is currently self-isolating at home after he was forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland camp when his positive test came through on Monday morning.

That was less than 24 hours after the former Derry City star had earned the 'man of the match' award in Ireland's 1-0 defeat to Wales in the Nations League in Cardiff.

He sits out tonight's final Nations League match against Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium and Stoke's Championship fixtures against Huddersfield and Norwich

However, the Derry man took to Instagram to respond to vile posts and show he's fighting fit despite contracting the virus.

Indeed, McClean posted a photograph of himself working out in his home gym claiming he was 'more than fine'.

"Sorry to disappoint ya mutants but... am more than fine." read McClean's post.

It's certainly not the first time McClean has been subjected to such sickening abuse.

Some of the cruel abuse directed at James McClean on social media this week.

Glentoran defender Patrick McClean was forced to defend his older brother after he received over 400 vile messages back in March, including some wishing his kids contracted coronavirus and died and others claiming it would be 'a geg' if his wife and kids died in a house fire.

McClean spoke out himself about the abuse during the summer claiming he received 'more abuse than any other player' during his nine year spell in England without support from football authorities.

He's been targeted by critics every season for his refusal to wear a poppy on his shirt on Remembrance Day, a stance he's taken when playing for Sunderland, Wigan Athletic, West Brom and Stoke City.

“I accept that but I would ask people to be respectful of the choice I have made, just as I’m respectful of people who do choose to wear a poppy,” said when defending his stance in 2018.