McCann

The 23-year-old has found himself under fire after playing, and scoring, for the Robins on Saturday despite pulling out of the national squad, who lost to Greece in their final European Championship qualifier, with an ankle injury.

McCann was given permission to play for Town against Boston by national boss Sammy McIlroy, but his appearance has raised doubts about his attitude.

However, Town's record signing said: "I want to play in every match possible for Northern Ireland.

"I have been upset by the criticism levelled at me and want to put the record straight.

"I had injured my ankle against Yeovil just a few days before and had to come off at half-time.

"Cheltenham said I was 50-50 for Northern Ireland so someone must have taken the decision to pull me out as I may not have been 100 per cent.

"As the week went on I started to feel better and even trained.

"My manager Bobby Gould phoned Sammy on the Friday and asked if I could play for Cheltenham at the weekend and he said it wouldn't be a problem.

"I don't want Northern Ireland fans to think I couldn't be bothered playing for my country."