Ian Baraclough says the decision to withdraw Conor McMenamin from Northern Ireland's squad just hours before their Nations League game with Kosovo was the 'right thing to do.'
A statement from the Irish FA confirmed the McMenamin had been withdrawn after an "historic social media video" circulated online appearing to show the Glentoran winger allegedly singing a pro-IRA chant.
It followed Kyle Lafferty's withdrawal on Friday after a video circulated online appeared to show the Kilmarnock striker using sectarian language.
Read more: Conor McMenamin is withdrawn from Northern Ireland squad over 'historic video'
Speaking after Saturday's 2-1 win against Kosovo, Baraclough said: "It is a distraction you would rather not have. And to happen so close to kick-off time.
"I thought we did the right thing in pulling Conor out of the squad. It needs to be looked at. Clearly it is an historical video on social media from when he was 16 I think.
"I am not sure where it is going to go at this time."
Baraclough added: "You just hope that it isn't (a recurring theme) and that things don't get churned up.
"It has been tough for the boys to lose two members of the squad. They get close and they don't like to see that happen to anyone.
"So that could have played a major factor but it didn't. They rallied and got a result."
McMenamin has earned three caps to date and was expected to feature in the games against Kosovo and Greece.
The Irish FA said in a statement earlier in the day: “In light of an historic social media video which has been circulated, Northern Ireland senior men’s team player Conor McMenamin has been withdrawn from the squad.”
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