WREXHAM experienced the highs and lows over the Easter weekend so James McClean is understandably keeping his feet on the ground despite automatic promotion being in the Reds' hands going into tomorrow's massive match with Charlton Athletic at The Racecourse.
It was advantage Wycombe Wanderers on Friday after the Chairboys won 2-0 at Bolton Wanderers and moved back above Wrexham into second place when Phil Parkinson's men were held to a 1-1 home draw by lowly Bristol Rovers.
But disappointment turned to elation on Monday with Wrexham winning 2-1 at Blackpool and Wycombe losing 4-0 against Charlton who are also in the running for a top-two finish.
Back up to second spot, Wrexham are two points ahead of the third placed Chairboys with two games remaining.
The Reds would clinch an historic third successive promotion if they beat Charlton and Wycombe fail to win against play-off hopefuls Leyton Orient but former Republic of Ireland international McClean insists he and his team-mates won't get ahead of themselves.
"After the Burton game recently it was quite the opposite," said the Wrexham captain.
"Everyone was 'Wrexham are promoted now' and then after the game on Friday against Bristol Rovers, it was the opposite.
"We, the players and the staff, have to remain professional and do the best we can to block out that noise, and just go about doing our own job.
"If you had said at the start of the season with two games to go this is the position you would be in, you'd snap your hand off but talk is cheap.
"We have got to go and put that talk into action and get the job done."
Wrexham are in the box seat in the bid to join title winners Birmingham City by going straight up to the Championship.
Expectations are high at The Racecourse under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney but McClean has thrived on the pressure.
"There's a lot of pressure at this stage of the season but pressure is a privilege because it means that there's something expected of you," he said.
"We have to see it that way and embrace it that way.
"Obviously winning at Blackpool and widening the gap eases that pressure but whatever thoughts we have, have to stay in-house and we have got to go and perform on the pitch."
McClean saw two chances go begging at Bloomfield Road before he opened the scoring in the second half with a low drive that found the bottom of the corner.
Sam Smith wheeled away celebrating as if he had got the final touch but McClean was having none of it as he claimed his fourth goal of the season and first since the 2-2 draw with Cambridge United on December 14.
"I have seen it back a few times and it is definitely my goal. He's not getting that!" said McClean, who celebrated his 36th birthday on Tuesday.
"It was overdue as well so I am delighted to score.
"I almost scored two before that. One was a great save and I haven't seen the header back but I probably should have done better, I got too good a connection.
"It was third time lucky and it's a nice birthday present."
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