James McClean of Wrexham will miss Saturday’s game against Accrington Stanley due to a last-minute call-up to the Republic of Ireland.
AHEAD OF TIME?
Ireland manager Stephen Kenny called up the 34-year-old midfielder for the forthcoming Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands. Will Smallbone and Festy Ebosele are out due to injuries, so McClean is back in the running for Saturday’s game in Amsterdam.
THE LARGER IMAGE
With McClean out of the picture, Wrexham’s manager Phil Parkinson will need to find a replacement on the wing for Saturday’s League Two match against Accrington Stanley. The Welsh team will aim to inflict further suffering by obtaining the three points to stay up with league leaders Stockport going into their match at Wham Stadium after suffering two setbacks.
AHEAD OF YOU?
McClean played in Ireland’s September 2-1 loss to the Netherlands in their previous Euro qualifier at the Aviva Stadium. His international career will now last one more match thanks to this unexpected call-up; he had intended to retire after the November 21 friendly against New Zealand.
MCCLEAN: WHAT COMES NEXT?
McClean, who has more than 100 caps for the Irish national team, will be keen to win the two games against the Netherlands and New Zealand, respectively, to cap off his time playing for his country. He surprised everyone by contributing two assists against Gibraltar back in June, and he hopes to continue doing so to increase his total of 11 goals and six assists for his nation.
