James McClean has not been seen as the first-choice wing-back so far this season by Phil Parkinson following Wrexham’s promotion to the Championship.
The Red Dragons invested in a new left wing-back this summer in Liberato Cacace; however, he is injured, and deputising for him has been Ryan Longman, who has impressed in his performances.
This has limited the Wrexham captain to appearances off the bench and in the EFL Cup, with the former Ireland international making only three starts in the opening nine Championship fixtures.
McClean recently signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2027; however, it is unlikely the 36-year-old would be happy with an impact sub role at the club under Parkinson, due to the age of the former Derry City man.
So, it is interesting the message that McClean has sent his manager during the international break.
James McClean demonstrates just how fit he is with a social media post
Any concerns that Phil Parkinson may have had about James McClean not being able to do a job for him due to the former Ireland international’s age seem to have been brushed aside by the player.
The 36-year-old took to Instagram to post a story of a training session he completed while on holiday with his family during the international break.
While some players may take their foot off the gas, McClean does not share the same opinion, as he wishes to push himself to be as fit as possible to do a job for Wrexham.
Ireland are clearly missing McClean due to their lack of quality fit options at left wing-back, as shown in just how fit and dedicated he is away from the pitch.
This post seems to disprove any doubts that he may not be at the level he once was, as he continues to impress despite being closer to 40 than 30 these days.
- READ MORE: Wrexham’s top five all-time appearance holders, including 17-cap former Wales international
James McClean’s Wrexham impact after the international break
The former Sunderland and Stoke City winger will be hopeful for more minutes following the international break; however, these may be hard to come by with Ryan Longman impressing and Cacace expected to return from injury soon.
McClean will have to impress in the EFL Cup and the limited minutes he receives, hoping he can capitalise and demonstrate to Parkinson exactly why he should be starting.
When given the chance to start in the Championship, McClean is an experienced operator, so he will know that if he can impress, then he will be trusted by Parkinson, who rewards those players in form with a run of games, like he is currently doing with Longman.