PHIL PARKINSON has praised Steven Fletcher for making a huge impact for Wrexham on and off the pitch.

A former Scottish international, Fletcher had spells with Hibernian, Burnley, Wolves, Sunderland, Marseille, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City and Dundee United before arriving at The Racecourse in September and the 36-year-old scored his seventh goal of the campaign in the 1-0 win against Notts County at The Racecourse on February 17.

Parkinson says the striker has got a big part to play in Wrexham’s promotion push but he’s also influential in the changing room.

“He’s been immense for us. I am very pleased with his contribution on and off the pitch,” Parkinson said about Fletcher, who celebrates his 37th birthday next month.

“You don’t play at the level he has without being the consummate professional and that’s what he is.

“He looks after himself, he trains well, he does all his extra work and he’s enjoying playing and that’s great. 

“He’s got a great enthusiasm to play and I love that. It’s great to see and it’s a great example for our younger players.”

Parkinson says Fletcher and his experienced team-mates are making a big contribution at The Racecourse.

“The senior players - Ben Tozer, Fletch and James McClean - it is so important to have role models in the football club,” added the Reds’ boss.

“They have shown great leadership qualities for us.”

Centre-back Eoghan O’Connell agreed with his manager and says Fletcher has proved age is no barrier.

“He shows every week how good he is,” said O’Connell. “He is a brilliant player.”