Keith Gillespie has criticised James ­McClean for opting to represent the Republic of Ireland.

McClean was born in Derry and played for Northern Ireland at junior level but switched allegiances, citing family and religious links as his reasons.

Gillespie, who won 86 caps for Northern Ireland, said: "I'm of the firm belief that if you're born in Northern Ireland, you should not have the option of playing for the Republic.

"James McClean is a prime ­example. He had no intention of ever playing for the Northern ­Ireland senior team.

"He made some excuses in ­relation to being a Catholic, but you look at some of our greatest and most capped players who are Catholic people like Pat ­Jennings, Mal Donaghy, Martin O'Neill and Gerry Armstrong."

McClean, who is part of the Republic's Euro 2012 squad, has not been named in Giovanni Trapattoni's starting XI for their tournament opener against Croatia.