James McClean, at 35 years old, is coming towards the end of a 13-year professional football career in England that has taken in stints at Sunderland, Wigan Athletic (twice), West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City, and now sees him captaining Wrexham in League One. Born in Derry, he has also played 103 times for the Republic of Ireland.

But McClean probably won’t be known for his durability, or his trickery on the wing. He is that rare animal – a footballer who has long-held, deep-rooted political beliefs, who is prepared to stand up for them, and indeed speak up for them, no matter how much trouble it causes him.

“One thing I never have and never will do, is bend the knee to compromise my convictions,” said McClean on Sunday, to explain his refusal to link arms with his Wrexham team-mates for the Remembrance Day tribute that preceded all football matches over the weekend. He also left off the poppy armband........

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