Ryan Barnett was keen to prove himself upon his return to action for Wrexham against Bradford City, following three games out through suspension.
Barnett returned to the Wrexham starting eleven at Valley Parade and made a positive impact on the game.
Despite Phil Parkinson’s side only able to earn a draw, the wing-back was able to pick up an assist for Paul Mullin.
The former Solihull Moors man had missed the past three wins. This followed a red card he picked up against Crewe Alexandra.
What has Ryan Barnett said?
Since signing for The Red Dragons, Barnett has made a good impression. So far he has registered two assists in 10 league appearances.
Following his high tackle against Crewe, he had to serve his suspension. That in spite of an appeal which was rejected.
On his absence, Barnett said: “It was obviously very frustrating to be out for a few weeks.”
The Englishman returned to the starting eleven against Bradford and was frustrated with himself for missing games: “It was not through injury. It is through my actions on the pitch so that was disappointing.
“It was a great feeling to be back out there.”
It arguably will be more frustrating that Parkinson’s side has won all but one game since his suspension. With wins over Crawley, Salford and Crewe in the EFL Trophy in recent weeks.
That frustration and fire in his belly obviously played its part as Barnett was one of, if not the, best players on the pitch.
Discussing that point he added: “I think I just put the frustration of the last few weeks into the game. I was trying to win every header and every tackle, and put balls in good areas.”
What does Barnett add?
Despite lining up as a winger in his time with Solihull, the move to right-wing back has brought out a different side to him.
His ability with the ball at his feet and eye for a cross has suited the role. This is especially true when coming from deeper as that wing-back.
Given his speed and creative ability, he has become an important player in Parkinson’s set-up. Despite results not changing, he was certainly missed when on the sidelines.