Republic of Ireland international James McClean insists that any taunts he receives from the terraces only serve to spur him on further.
McClean has found himself embroiled in several controversies throughout his career and is often on the receiving end of some harsh treatment from supporters of rival clubs, particularly for his stance on wearing a Remembrance Day poppy.
The West Brom midfielder was last week involved in a 'spat' with an Everton supporter on a day when a plastic bottle was also thrown at the Baggies manager Tony Pulis.
However, speaking to the Derry Journal, McClean revealed that criticism and abuse from rival supporters no longer has a negative impact on him.
"A few years ago, when I started getting abuse, it had a massive effect on me in terms of how I was playing. It shattered my confidence but I’ve got used to that now and it doesn’t bother me as much. If anything, it spurs me on," he insisted.
"Last Saturday (at Everton) was a prime example (that) any small action I do, on or off the field, is going to be picked up by the media and the papers are going to make it a lot bigger of a story than it should be.
"On Saturday, there was a two-second altercation with a fan which, in my eyes, was nothing and then it’s in the papers as this big spat. Any opportunity they get, like on Remembrance Day, they’re going to bring my name up and it’s like water off a duck’s back now."
"As long as I impress the fans of the club I play for, then that’s all that matters. I’m not stupid enough to believe I’m going to change people’s perceptions of me. I’m certainly not going to lose any sleep over it. I expect the abuse and I’m well used to it by now.
"First and foremost, I want to help West Brom finish as high up the table as possible. We have a lot of quality in the squad and there’s no reason why we can’t do that. We’re in a good position in the table at the minute and we want to crack on now.
"If we do that, and I continue to play well and be included in the team, then that bodes well for the summer. I’ll be going to the Euros, if called upon, firing on all cylinders.
"So, I want to finish the season strongly, get a few more goals and assists so I can take that into the Euros."
