Wrexham captain James McClean showcased extraordinary dedication when he led his team against Birmingham in a crucial match just 36 hours after surviving a horrific car accident. The former Republic of Ireland international, who suffered only minor injuries in the crash, defied expectations by declaring himself fit for the 'Hollywood Derby' at SToK Racecourse.
The incident unfolded dramatically when McClean was unable to leave the accident scene until police arrived, requiring subsequent medical attention from the club doctor. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson initially assumed McClean would be unavailable for the upcoming fixture. However, in a remarkable turn of events, the 35-year-old midfielder surprised everyone by walking into the team meeting with his boots slung over his shoulder, simply stating, "I'll be fine."
"Tonight typified Jimmy," Parkinson remarked, describing how McClean not only appeared for the game but even participated in normal training the day following the accident. "Mad, really. But that's just typical of Jim. There's no dramas with him."
McClean's performance in the 1-1 draw against fellow promotion hopefuls Birmingham demonstrated his exceptional quality, particularly with a notable cross for Steven Fletcher that nearly resulted in a goal, only to be denied by defender Ben Davies's brilliant intervention.
The captain's resilience extends beyond this single incident. Parkinson revealed that McClean had recently played through a potentially serious hamstring condition, where scans showed a split tendon that could have sidelined him for weeks. Instead of taking time off, McClean chose to continue training and playing after being informed of the risks. "He's a machine - exactly what you want from your captain," Parkinson praised.
McClean's dedication has already contributed to Wrexham's success, helping secure promotion from League Two in his first season with the club. As the team pursues further advancement in the EFL, McClean's heroics continue to add compelling storylines to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's award-winning documentary series about the club.
