By Liam Randall

Copyright walesonline

A former teammate has revealed how Wrexham ‘s James McClean didn’t take kindly to being ribbed about his lack of minutes this season. The ex- Premier League wing-back has been a key figure for the Red Dragons since joining from Wigan Athletic in August 2023 . McClean has helped Wrexham to achieve consecutive promotions from League Two and League One and was also made captain by manager Phil Parkinson. However, he has found playing time harder to come by in the Championship so far this term. McClean has started just three of Wrexham’s opening nine matches, with either summer signing Liberato Cacace or Ryan Longman preferred by Parkinson instead. Former Newcastle midfielder Jeff Hendrick, who played with McClean for the Republic of Ireland national team, has now revealed he’s been winding him up over his reduced role in the starting XI. And it would seem the outspoken 36-year-old wasn’t best pleased about being mocked. Despite approaching the end of his career, Hendrick has still backed McClean to have a positive influence in the dressing room as club co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac aim to make their Premier League dream a reality. Speaking to Boyle Sports , Hendrick said: “He’s not been starting much lately. I actually texted him, saying, ‘Are you getting too old to be starting now?’ He wasn’t happy. Typical James McClean, always biting back, but James has played in the Premier League, Championship, and League One. “He knows what it’s all about, with over 100 games for Ireland. He has that experience. Believe it or not, he’s not what people think, he’s actually quite quiet and calm. He trains really hard, of course, but he enjoys having fun around the training ground. “It’ll be great for the younger lads coming into the squad, or those who haven’t played in the competitions or leagues he has. They’ll definitely learn a lot, especially from how he conducts himself and how hard he works. James is 36 and I’d be surprised if there’s a harder-working player at Wrexham right now.” He added: “I think he will keep driving those standards. Older players might not be vocal or shouting, but they have a certain aura. People keep an eye on them, watching what they’re doing, wanting to learn from them. I think that will help push the squad.” Hendrick indicated at the start of this month that he intends to call time on his own career at the age of 33 after turning out for the likes of Derby County, Burnley and Newcastle. He was also loaned out to Queens Park Rangers , Reading and Sheffield Wednesday during his time with the Toon. He briefly returned to Derby on a short-term deal at the end of last season, but was left without a club during the summer transfer window. Hendrick has lifted the lid on how McClean tried to persuade him to join Wrexham at one stage, but a formal offer failed to materialise. He said: “I can’t recall exactly when it was, but I remember James asked me if I was able to leave Sheffield Wednesday. I told him I didn’t think so and he suggested I come to Wrexham. However, that was just him pushing for it. “James was keen, but the offer never came from the manager or the club itself. If it had, it might have been interesting for me because I wasn’t playing and I was eager to get back on the pitch. “I was probably a bit angry about the situation I was in and it would have been a relief to leave. It would have been great to be part of Wrexham’s promotion. But no, nothing came of it.” Hendrick has backed Wrexham to gain a foothold in the Championship this season following their promotion from League One, but thinks their rivals Birmingham might be better equipped for a play off push. He said: “I think both teams spent money, trying to target players with high wages, more than some teams relegated from the Premier League are paying. They definitely have the backing, but it’s still early days. “Wrexham are trying to gel players together and have been unfortunate in a few games, but it takes time. I don’t think either team is under pressure of relegation, but Birmingham might have a better chance of making the top-half play-offs, as they look more comfortable.”