Wrexham host Harrogate Town in League Two tonight and James McClean is walking a suspension tightrope ahead of the fixture.
Wrexham have gone from winning just two of their seven matches in February to hitting a purple patch of form in March.
Following victories over Accrington Stanley and Morecambe, the Reds find themselves third in League Two, just three points off leaders Mansfield.
During this mini turnaround, Phil Parkinson’s inspired decision to move James McClean into midfield has worked wonders.
The 34-year-old, who starred at left wing-back for most of the season, now has two assists and one goal in his last two outings from midfield.
McClean’s technical ability and engine are two attributes that have flourished, while his emphatic finish in Saturday’s win over Morecambe demonstrates that he can do more damage from a central position.
When Wrexham host play-off chasers Harrogate Town tonight, the former Sunderland star must avoid picking up his 10th yellow card of the season.
James McClean is one yellow card from a suspension
McClean has always been a fiery character, and that has continued during his spell at Wrexham.
The Republic of Ireland international enjoys flying into tackles and often overstepping the mark on the pitch.
This has seen him pick up nine yellow cards in 29 appearances this term, placing him third in the entire division for most cautions.
If McClean receives a yellow card in their match against Harrogate tonight, the veteran will be hit with a two-game ban.
However, that rule resets after the 37th match is played, so if he avoids a caution tonight, he’ll be safe for Wrexham’s run-in.
James McClean has to be careful
McClean leaves everything on the pitch and although he’s one yellow from suspension, that won’t go through his head when enters the pitch.
The Irishman plays in a full-blooded nature and won’t allow his opponents to get the better of him in a physical battle.
That said, Harrogate are a well-organised outfit and boast the second-best away record in League Two, with only Mansfield (33) collecting more points on their travels.
They will be made aware of McClean walking a suspension tightrope and could attempt to get in his head by winding him up.
If that happens, the midfielder has to conjure up all his experience to rise above that tactic and focus on his own game.
In recent weeks, he’s arguably become Wrexham’s most important player, alongside Paul Mullin, and they can ill-afford to lose him for any of the final nine matches of the season.