JAMES MCCLEAN has spent the majority of his career at a higher level but the wide-man has been impressed with the standard of League Two.

McClean had stints in the Premier League and Championship whilst playing for Sunderland, Wigan Athletic, West Brom and Stoke City before arriving at The Racecourse for the 2023-24 season.

He might have dropped down to the fourth tier for the first time but McClean, who won his 103rd and final cap for the Republic of Ireland in November after announcing his retirement from the international scene, has helped Wrexham emerge as one of the frontrunners.

Phil Parkinson's men are flying high but McClean believes there is no shortage of quality in a strong division.

"The league is very competitive," said the 34-year-old. "You only have to look at the table to see that.

"The teams are getting stronger each year.

"We are in a good position but I also feel that we can get better which is also a good sign.

"I feel there are more levels to come from us which bodes well."

McClean has turned out for clubs in the top-flight but he feels playing lower down the pyramid provides different challenges.

"People will laugh when I say it but I find the Championship, League One and League Two tougher to play in because it is 100 miles an hour," he added.

"In the Premier League and at international level, it is different.

"Obviously there is more quality and you get punished for every mistake but it's not as 100 miles an hour like the EFL is.

"The EFL poses different challenges but there is quality in this league as well and also hard work.

"It is quite physical but as long as you match that, you should be alright."

McClean, who signed a one-season contract when he joined Wrexham from Wigan in August with the option of an extension,  is showing no sign of slowing down.

He has become a regular in the Wrexham side and despite being one of the older players in the squad, Parkinson says the wide-man remains in peak condition.

"People can't live with James physically and they struggle to cope with his athleticism," said the Reds' boss.

"It is a great tribute to him that someone of his age is able to run people into the ground like he does every week."