James McClean receives Twitter death threats

Sunderland winger James McClean has received death threats on Twitter following his selection in the Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2012.

The 23-year-old was born in Londonderry and had represented Northern Ireland at Under-21 level.

However, family links allowed him to switch allegiances and, after McClean used Twitter to announce his honour at the call-up, two users responded on the social networking site with sectarian abuse and threats.

An account under the name of 'RobbieLittle@PotKettleBlack3' posted: "F*** up your dirty fenian b****** il make sure you get shot when you set foot back into gods country #FTP."

Meanwhile, 'James W Magee@JamesWMagee07' posted: "U deserve to be shot for that comment!! Your playing for Ireland and not the country you were born in (NI). #p****"

Police are investigating the tweets.