Republic of Ireland winger James McClean has received death threats after being included in Giovanni Trappatoni's squad for the 2012 European Championships.
McClean played at Under-21 level for his native Northern Ireland, a British controlled province, but took the controversial decision to 'cross the border' and pursue a senior international career with the independent Republic.
The 23-year-old, a rising star with English Premier League side Sunderland, was included in veteran Italian manager Trappatoni's squad on Monday after just one substitute appearance for the national side.
McClean reacted to news of his call-up for Euro 2012 by saying on social networking site Twitter: "Absolutely honoured and couldn't be happier to have been called up to represent my country at the Euros. No better feeling."
He later told the Mail: "To be called up to represent Ireland has always been a personal dream of mine and to be associated with players who I have watched myself is very special.
"I can't wait to join up with the squad and start to focus on the Championships."
Irish state law allows anyone born in Northern Ireland to accept public office in the Republic and, consequently, the rules of the Football Association of Ireland, which is only responsible for the game south of the border, allow any player born on the island of Ireland to represent the Republic.
McClean's announcement was met with some messages of support but also sectarian abuse and death threats.
The population of Northern Ireland is largely Protestant, with Catholics in a minority, whereas the situation is reversed in the Republic.
McClean responded to the attacks by tweeting: "Love the dogs' abuse am gettin off shock N.I fans, just worry about watchin ur own country at the euros... oh wait #mybad #awkward haha."
However, it appeared McClean later closed his Twitter account on Tuesday.
A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesman told the BBC on Tuesday: "We don't discuss individual cases, however, if we receive information that a person's life may be at risk we will inform them accordingly. We never ignore anything which may put an individual at risk."
McClean has previously been been targeted by Northern Ireland fans since he declared for the Republic, having coming up through the ranks of the Irish Football Association which runs football in the north.
The Republic's Euro 2012 campaign kicks-off against Croatia in Poznan on June 12, with the tournament in Poland and Ukraine representing their first appearance at a major international football competition since the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Source: AFP
