Martin O'Neill said he will speak to James McClean ahead of Thursday's clash with Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium amid fears he could be targeted by Northern Ireland fans for his decision not to wear a Remembrance Day poppy.
The Republic of Ireland play Michael O'Neill's side in a Dublin friendly before heading to Denmark for Monday night's must-win Nations League clash.
Derry native McClean - suspended for the Danish game but available on Thursday - had labelled a section of the Stoke City support "uneducated cavemen singing anti-Irish songs" after his own fans booed him in the game against Middlesbrough.
He later apologised to the majority of the Potters' faithful, saying they are "decent and respectful".
Asked if he will seek to advise the winger about possible abuse he'll receive from the some of the Northern Irish fans, O'Neill told RTÉ Sport's Tony O'Donoghue: "James had an illness in the family yesterday so I wasn't able to get a chance to speak to him.
"I will speak to him over the next 24 hours. Naturally I'm hoping it won't be an issue, but I don't know
"I think James is the case in point. I don't think it will be an issue for a number of the other players. I think I'll have a word with James."
O'Neill has trimmed his squad for the upcoming matches, with teenage pair Caoimhin Kelleher and Michael Obafemi staying in the set-up.
Seamus Coleman and Robbie Brady are also back in the fold after injuries, but Declan Rice is still taking time to ponder his international future.
"Obviously, a lot of stories have been coming out," O'Neill added. "I don't think anything has changed. I'm hopeful. But it's entirely up to the player.
"It will be his decision. He's got a lot of things to consider and a lot of those, you've got to say, will probably favour England. But overall yeah, I'm still hopeful."
