JAMES MCCLEAN'S distinguished international career has come to an end but Phil Parkinson says the wing-back is showing no signs of slowing down for Wrexham.

The 34-year-old won his 103rd and last Republic of Ireland cap in Tuesday night’s 1-1 friendly draw with New Zealand and bade an emotional farewell to team-mates and fans alike after 11-and-a-half-years in the green shirt during which he played at the finals of two major tournaments.

Having announced his decision to retire from the international scene last month, McClean helped Wrexham embark on an 11-game unbeaten run which came to an end following a 2-0 defeat at Accrington Stanley on Saturday, a match he missed after linking up early with Stephen Kenny's squad.

Brought in from Wigan Athletic in August, McClean has made 11 League Two appearances and scored his first Reds' goal in the 2-1 win at home to Port Vale in the EFL Trophy a fortnight ago.

McClean has played for the likes of Stoke, West Brom and Sunderland in his career and Parkinson is looking forward to having him back when fourth placed Wrexham aim to get back to winning against Morecambe at The Racecourse on Saturday.

"James is in a very small band of players with a century of international caps," said the Reds' boss. "That is a great tribute to him.

"In terms of going forward as a player, his physical data is Premier League level with what he produces each game. He's a phenomenal athlete.

"James just loves playing football, he has got great enthusiasm to play and train.

"We were frustrated that he got called up and didn't play against Accrington but that's the way it goes.

"I am excited about getting him back with us and raring to go for Saturday."

McClean has stepped back from international football but fellow wing-back Jacob Mendy is just getting started.

Mendy made his Gambia debut in Monday's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ivory Coast who won 2-0, with the 26-year-old playing almost the entire match.

Parkinson was pleased to see Mendy come through the game unscathed.

"It was great for Jacob to make his debut," he added.

"Even though I watched the game, we exchanged messages on Monday night.

"It was a solid debut from him and on a very spongy, difficult pitch in Tanzania, he came through injury-free which is the most important thing for us."