Phil Parkinson has now been told which divisive Wrexham player deserves a spot in the starting XI against Notts County.
In their narrow 2-1 victory against Sutton United, Phil Parkinson would have learnt a lot about his Wrexham squad, however, what unfolded has just made his selection for the Notts County match even harder.
The Reds took the lead through an unlikely source as Will Boyle – who was making his first start following suspension – gave the hosts a foothold in the contest with a smart finish.
Boyle has divided opinion this term as his recklessness defensively can sometimes go overboard. This was demonstrated in his howler of a performance in the 5-0 loss to Stockport County and the red card he picked up in the first half against Newport County.
Despite only joining Huddersfield Town in the summer, many had written the 28-year-old off at the Racecourse Ground, although his performance at Sutton on Tuesday has hinted that the best is yet to come.
Boyle was imperious as a defensive presence, winning an impressive 11 of his 12 aerial duels while making nine clearances and two tackles.
He was Wrexham’s immovable object in South London, whose performance should reward him with consecutive starts for the first time since the end of September.
Phil Parkinson told to start Will Boyle v Notts County
Speaking on the Rob Ryan Red Podcast, journalist Nathan Salt waxed lyrical about his display and believes he should keep his place in the starting XI against Notts County.
He said: “You would say Will Boyle probably keeps his place on Saturday now, played really really well against Sutton and really combatted their physical presence. I mean the lad up front Harry Smith was an absolute man mountain and I don’t remember Boyle making too many mistakes.”
Although Wrexham came up against a side who are rooted to the bottom of League Two, Boyle deserves every bit of credit as it hasn’t been an easy time for him.
The only start he’d made for the Reds in the previous 19 games saw him get dismissed against Newport.
However, Parkinson’s side have struggled defensively as of late and they certainly fared better with Boyle starting at the heart of the back three alongside Eoghan O’Connell and Max Cleworth.
Of the decisions the Wrexham boss has to make with his starting lineup, including whether to start Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer together, surely keeping his defensive titan in the side to face Notts County is one of the easiest he has to make, especially after watching him net his third goal of the campaign.