Last weekend, James McClean replaced Chris Brunt in the 80th minute as West Brom were leading 2-1 against Watford. Moments later the Irishman - once again - found himself in the midst of controversy as he seemingly reacted to Roberto Pereyra kicking out at him. What followed was a bit of melee between the two respective teams before things eventually simmered down.
While, the pitchforks were being sharpened on social media as there were calls for the FA to issue McClean with a ban - fortunately for Baggies supporters, it never materialised.
However, manager, Tony Pulis, wholeheartedly believes that the Republic of Ireland international will fast become a liability if he refuses to control himself while on the pitch. While he is under no illusions that if they attempt to tame McClean's character too much, it may hinder his game.
I think James has got to control himself and he understands that.
Sometimes he does live on the edge but that's the player he is and the person he is. He's a fantastic lad and he's competitive - and you want him to be - but he's got to realise there is a line that you draw and sometimes he goes very close to that line. Does it take stuff away from him?
It might do, I'm not sure. But I've spoken to him quite a few times about getting too close to that line. As I keep saying, he's a fantastic lad and a good lad around the place. The perception of him outside the club is different to what people inside the club who know him well think.
Of the twelve Premier League games this season which McClean has featured in, he has picked up five yellow cards - which ranks him around the likes of Danny Rose and Gastón Ramirez in 14th in terms of indiscipline.
