James McClean has been in exceptional form for Wrexham lately and now, he’s received an abundance of praise from his manager.
Wrexham were held to a goalless draw against an organised and resolute Harrogate Town side last night.
The visitors have the second-best away record in League Two, so Phil Parkinson came away from a 0-0 draw believing it was a solid result, although the suspension of James McClean wasn’t.
After receiving his 10th yellow card before the 37-game cut-off point, McClean will now miss Wrexham’s next two matches against Tranmere and Grimsby Town.
It serves as a huge blow to the Reds as the 34-year-old has been crucial to their recent upturn in form, flourishing in his new central midfield position.
Despite playing left wing-back for most of the campaign, McClean has two goals and two assists in his six matches as a midfielder.
The Republic of Ireland star has made a seamless transition into a new role and this isn’t a surprise to his manager, who believes he has the quality to play anywhere on the pitch.
Phil Parkinson hails ‘phenomenal’ James McClean
“James has been outstanding this season,” Parkinson told the Athletic. “His energy is phenomenal, while his mentality is the same. Drive and determination are the words that best describe James. You can tell he’s played at the top level.
“He’s played in a few positions but that’s the player he is — he can basically play anywhere on the field. You’ve seen that since he came to the club. His physical data is always among the highest at the club, if not the highest.
“You only have to watch how he trains every day. He’s had some really good contracts in the game but that’s an irrelevance to James. He wants to play football and wants to win.”
What a signing
Last summer, Parkinson was backed by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds to bolster his squad with quality players.
In came the likes of Steven Fletcher and McClean, who had both played at Premier League level earlier on in their careers, underscoring the Reds’ statement of intent.
With an attractive project being built by their Hollywood owners, they can afford to pay sizeable wages for League Two level and sign some top talent.
McClean is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to boasting a high-level pedigree in the fourth tier and while several will have questioned his motive upon joining, he’s answered those questions with incredible performances.
He’s immersed himself into the city of Wrexham and become a hero in supporters’ minds, instead of joining for one last payday.
As Parkinson said, McClean isn’t that sort of player. He still boasts a keen hunger and appetite to win football matches, which is something money can’t buy.