Wrexham star James McClean has now reacted to receiving a two-match suspension in the 0-0 draw against Harrogate Town.
Wrexham hosted Harrogate Town on Tuesday night aiming to record three straight wins in the league for the first time since December.
Despite dominating proceedings with 62% possession and 17 shots on goal, the Reds struggled to break through a side with the second-best away record in League Two.
Unlike in recent matches, Phil Parkinson’s men were wasteful in the final third, but little damage was done to their position in the league as promotion rivals MK Dons and Mansfield Town both tasted defeat.
It means that Wrexham go into their home clash against Tranmere Rovers three points inside the automatic promotion places, although they will go into that match without one of their star players, James McClean.
James McClean reacts to receiving a two-match suspension
Wrexham were left frustrated when they couldn’t break down a well-organised Harrogate defence, but the most frustrating part of the night was losing McClean to suspension.
The 34-year-old only needed to get through that clash without receiving a yellow card to avoid suspension, but when he instinctively tugged Levi Sutton 17 minutes from time, his name was taken in the referee’s book for the 10th time this season.
Sadly, McClean reached double figures for yellow cards just before the cut-off point, meaning he now misses their next two matches against Tranmere and Grimsby.
Of course, it has left Parkinson, his teammates and supporters feeling deeply frustrated and that is how he reacted to the situation via Instagram.
He wrote: “A night of frustration, a point gained tho, pissed myself picking up a suspension now but we drive her on.”
Who replaces James McClean?
Midfielder Thomas O’Connor was injured for a while but the 24-year-old has now returned and could be an option for Parkinson to use in the next two matches.
However, the most likely candidate to temporarily fill that void is Captain Luke Young.
Although he doesn’t match the same attacking threat as McClean, the 31-year-old is a great passer of the ball and reads the game well.
On top of that, he’s also an exceptional leader and his presence on the pitch has previously been described as “immense”.
McClean’s suspension is a huge blow to the Reds, but luckily they are in a position where it won’t hurt them as much as it would other sides.