James McClean walking ‘stupid’ Wrexham tightrope ahead of another nervy 90 minutes for Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney

James McClean is walking a disciplinary tightrope at Wrexham, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney facing another nervy 90 minutes of action.

Former Republic of Ireland international McClean has collected nine cautions for the Red Dragons this season. As a result, he is one booking away from a two-game ban. The cut-off point for such suspensions comes after 37 games, with Wrexham set to hit that mark when playing host to Harrogate on Tuesday.

McClean has said of having to tread carefully at a crucial stage of the season: “I have been in the game long enough now to know when to rein it in and when not to rein it in. I was annoyed about the yellow card against Accrington because it was avoidable. It was stupid on my behalf but emotion can sometimes get the better of you. I have got one game to go and obviously the aim is not to get booked. A win and not getting booked, I would take that now!”

Wrexham remain in another promotion hunt, with McClean adding on efforts to get over that line: “It is vital to keep putting points on the board at this stage of the season. Hopefully we can keep this good run of form going. Every game is important, Harrogate are next and we will be ready for it. We are in the top three with 10 games to go so it is a position you want to be in. It is up to us to do the work to make sure we are there at the end of the season.”

Phil Parkinson could do without any untimely injuries or suspensions at this stage, with it vital that the likes of McClean remain at his disposal as Wrexham look to wrap up a top-three finish and secure safe passage into League One.