Wrexham sit top of League One having secured an impressive 3-0 win over rivals Shrewsbury Town on Saturday afternoon.
Phil Parkinson’s side came into this derby day clash with a hugely impressive record.
Wrexham had kept three clean sheets in a row, picking up a draw at Bolton Wanderers before beating Reading and Peterborough United.
Three clean sheets in a row became four on Saturday though as Wrexham swept rivals Shrewsbury Town aside with relative ease.
Ollie Palmer and Elliot Lee had put Wrexham 2-0 up before the break with Jack Marriott adding the third.
Bragging rights belong to Wrexham after that victory, but so does top spot in League One – which is something to savour even at this early stage in the season.
James McClean praised by Sky Sports pundit
Wrexham have started the season in blistering fashion, dropping just two points from the first five games of the season.
Promotion to the Championship may be a big ask, but Wrexham have at least started well in the third tier.
Parkinson’s tried-and-tested performers continue to shine and that includes veteran James McClean.
The Irishman signed a new two-year deal with Wrexham over the summer and has certainly started the season well.
McClean has started all five of Wrexham’s league games as captain and has now been praised by pundit Courtney Sweetman-Kirk.
McClean hit the woodwork against Shrewsbury but can be delighted with his all-round performance.
Primarily an EFL pundit for Sky Sports, Sweetman-Kirk told Soccer Saturday that she felt McClean was simply ‘brilliant’ against Shrewsbury and ultimately the best player on the pitch.
“McClean got the Man of the Match because of his work down the left-hand side. I thought he was brilliant,” said Sweetman-Kirk.
McClean has competition for places
McClean will be one of the first names on the team sheet for Parkinson.
Not only is McClean a quality player at this level, but he is a character fans love and a leader on the pitch.
Parkinson will use McClean prominently this season, whether it’s at left wing back or even in midfield, as we often saw last season.
McClean does though face competition in those areas.
Wrexham signed Sebastian Revan over the summer whilst fellow left wing back Jacob Mendy is returning from injury.
Wrexham also have a number of midfield options, including latest signing Josh Adam.
McClean is now 35 and whilst he is a seemingly tireless performer, he will need to have his minutes managed at some point this season.
Wrexham have the options to bring McClean in and out of the side but, right now, it’s hard to imagine him sat on the bench.