Wrexham have progressed in the EFL Trophy with defender Aaron James proving to be an unlikely match-winner against Crewe Alexandra.
Just days after winning in treacherous conditions at Burton Albion, Wrexham were back in action against Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night.
EFL Trophy action was the focus for Phil Parkinson and the Wrexham boss unsurprisingly decided to switch up his lineup.
11 changes were made from the team which beat Burton Albion and the disjointed performance probably shouldn’t have been a surprise.
Wrexham found a way to win once again though with defender Aaron James heading home Paul Mullin’s cross for a 1-0 win.
Aaron James on January loan move
James started as the right-sided centre back in Parkinson’s three-man defence but switched to right back as Wrexham went with a midfield diamond later in the game.
Few could have expected James to be the goalscoring match-winner but perhaps he is learning a thing or two from Max Cleworth’s attacking exploits.
James is only 19 and made his league debut against Salford City last season but hasn’t made a single league appearance for Wrexham since.
The defender spoke to Wrexham Match Day Live on Wrexham’s official YouTube channel after beating Crewe and admitted his interest in a January loan move.
James has previously admitted interest in a loan move but revealed this time that he has trained with non-league side Warrington Town and may head there in January.
James noted that he just wants to play regularly and develop his game with a loan club and will assess all options when the January window opens.
“Anywhere that gets me regular game time,” said James.
“Playing regularly gains that match sharpness and anywhere I can do that and hopefully at the highest level possible is perfect. I’ve been training with Warrington Town at the start of the year, so maybe there might be a good place but we’ll have a look at the options and then decide when January comes,” he added.
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Phil Parkinson gives the green light
James seized his chance to shine for Wrexham on Tuesday night and will no doubt have impressed other managers with his display.
Warrington Town may be the most likely destination but the National League North side may even fear missing out after James excelled on Tuesday night.
Parkinson spoke to Wrexham’s official YouTube channel and confirmed that the next step for James is a January loan move.
“We’ve been saying for a while that we rate Aaron and we know what a solid player he is, but he’s getting better and better,” said Parkinson.
“I thought his all-round game, not just his goal, was excellent tonight. He really looked as if he wanted to show everyone again that he can play at this level and maybe the next port of call for him is a loan move in January and I’m just hoping managers are watching his performances and they will see what a reliable defender he is but also improving in terms of what he offers a team in possession as well,” he added.
Parkinson is bound to play a key role in deciding any loan move but having already given James permission to train with Warrington Town, they are surely at the front of the queue.