Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson is used to answering more than a few questions about James McClean and is now defending his skipper.
Wrexham were beaten away at Shrewsbury Town on Thursday night in a hugely disappointing derby day performance.
The Shrews are battling against relegation and whilst Wrexham have struggled on the road, this was a chance for everybody to step up.
Instead, Wrexham just never really showed up and deservedly fell to a 2-1 defeat.
Phil Parkinson will be focused on Thursday’s game against Birmingham City with Wrexham looking to hit back.
The fall-out from Thursday’s defeat continues though with James McClean at the centre of the conversation.
Phil Parkinson on James McClean
The Wrexham captain is seen as a divisive figure but certainly appears to have found a home at the STōK Cae Ras.
Rob McElhenney has praised McClean, admitting that he took an instant liking to the former Republic of Ireland international.
McClean regularly receives abuse from rival fans though and we saw items thrown at him by Birmingham City fans back in October.
Thursday’s trip to Shrewsbury saw McClean become involved in an incident with home fans.
An EFL investigation is now ongoing with McClean, Wrexham and Shrewsbury potentially facing action.
Parkinson has now defended McClean whilst speaking to BBC Sport ahead of facing Birmingham City.
Parkinson feels that the abuse towards McClean ‘goes too far’ at times and believes there isn’t enough being done to stop it.
The Wrexham boss doesn’t feel that his words will change anything, believing that the EFL just won’t make any changes.
Parkinson added that Wrexham are working to help McClean focus on football, hailing him as a ‘brilliant’ signing whilst backing Wrexham fans to show support for him on Thursday.
“Occasionally the level of abuse goes too far and I’m not sure enough is done about it,” said Parkinson.
“People are quite quick to jump on the back of players for stepping out of line and referees are quick to give people yellow cards. Then I think what are the EFL doing about the level of abuse Jimmy gets on a week to week basis and for me it’s nowhere near enough. But unfortunately I don’t think my words are going to be enough to change that.
“I feel for James because the level of abuse he gets is something I’ve never witnessed for a player. He’s a great lad and it’s human nature that will spill over with him.
“Go back to the Barnsley game, Birmingham away and obviously the other day and for anybody that’s difficult to deal with. But he’s a tough character and he’s focusing on what he’s got to do on the pitch and we’re working with him to block everything out and concentrate on bringing to the team what he has done every since he’s been here which is great honesty, incredible drive and determination for the group and real leadership qualities.
“I know on Thursday night our supporters are going to be right behind Jimmy because he deserves that and because he’s been a brilliant signing for us,” he added.
Jeff Stelling on James McClean
McClean had some rather choice words for Shrewsbury fans after Thursday’s defeat and his clash with the home fans.
Jeff Stelling has now had his say, telling TalkSPORT that McClean should apologise to Shrewsbury fans.
Stelling suggested that the FAW should take action against McClean if he doesn’t say sorry.
“He needs to apologise,” said Stelling.
“He needs to make a public apology. You can’t have a player saying that about anybody.
“They’re arch-rivals, Shrewsbury and Wrexham, he’s going to get some stick because of what he does, he’s used to getting stick, he gets it everywhere he goes, he simply cannot say that sort of thing.
“The FA of Wales, who I think are the ruling body as far as Wrexham are concerned… if he doesn’t apologise, I think they need to take some form of action,” he added.
Wrexham fans will be right behind McClean no matter what and the skipper will be seeking a big performance against Birmingham in front of the home faithful.