CALLUM MCFADZEAN has had a tough time on and off the pitch but Phil Parkinson praised the wing-back's professionalism and was pleased with his performance against former club Burton Albion.

Clubs in League Two are limited to a 22-man squad, although that number does not include goalkeepers or players who were under the age of 21 at the start of the calendar year.

Parkinson had to submit his list of players in September and there was no place for the experienced McFadzean, fellow wing-back Bryce Hosannah and striker Billy Waters who are only able to feature in cup games until clubs are allowed to change their squad when the January transfer window opens.

McFadzean made just his third appearance of the season in Tuesday's 3-2 EFL Trophy second round defeat at The Racecourse against Burton, having previously featured in the group stage win against Newcastle United under 21s and August's League Cup first round penalty shoot-out victory over Wigan Athletic.

Parkinson spoke highly about the 29-year-old whose mother recently passed away.

"I thought Callum was superb," said the Reds' boss about McFadzean who made 27 league appearances last season in Wrexham's title triumph despite playing through the pain barrier because of a hernia problem before undergoing surgery in the summer.

"He hasn't played for ages and he has had such a tough time with a family bereavement.

"Sadly, his mum died and the funeral was on December 1 but for him to play like he did was a great credit to his professionalism."