JAMES MCCLEAN believes there is a good chance of being back playing at a higher level with Wrexham but the Republic of Ireland international refuses to get carried away.

Versatile midfielder McClean, who this summer earned his 100th international cap, has joined Wrexham for an undisclosed fee from Wigan Athletic, putting pen to paper on a one-year contract with the option of an extension.

Since making his move into English football with Sunderland in 2011, McClean had spells with Wigan, West Brom and Stoke City before rejoining the Latics in 2021 and he was an ever-present in the Championship last season.

McClean also has Premier League experience but his focus is helping Wrexham clinch promotion from League Two, although the 34-year-old knows it will be no foregone conclusion.

“It was a crazy few days,” said McClean.

“You are at one club, the situation changes and then you find yourself at another club.

“It was a bit of a whirlwind but when the opportunity came along, it was a no brainer to sign and I am delighted.

“It is a club that has serious ambitions and I am an ambitious person myself. We share the same kind of goals.

“I have joined a project that has ambitions to get out of this league and further.

“Come this time next season, hopefully we are looking forward to a campaign in League One but there is a lot of football to be played before then.

“It is important not to get carried away, a lot can happen, but you have to be positive and go into every game looking to win it.”

Wrexham, back in the Football League following a 15-year absence after winning the National League title in 2022-23, suffered a 5-3 defeat at home to MK Dons on the opening day.

McClean was not available and the Reds were also without star striker Paul Mullin who suffered a punctured lung during the American pre-season tour.

Wide-man McClean hailed the squad's strength in depth and says everyone has to play their part in the quest for success.

“Paul is a massive player for this club but it us up to the rest of the squad to come together and do the stuff on the pitch so he is not missed too much,” added McClean.

“There are a lot of bodies in the squad so I am sure that will be the case.

“If you want to be successful, everyone has got to contribute.

“It is going to take a big collective and I am aiming to be a part of a successful squad and a successful season, and play my part in all of that.

“If you are going to be successful, you need strength in depth and players pushing each other.on a daily basis.

“When you have competition for places, that can only be a good thing and I am sure that will be the case here.”

In a strange twist of fate, Wrexham face Wigan in the Carabao Cup first round tonight at The STóK Cae Ras but it remains to be seen whether McClean will feature.

"I am just looking forward to playing a game of football as soon as possible," added McClean.

"That wasn't the case on Saturday but the sooner the better for that because I am raring to go.

"I am looking forward to getting in and getting settled, and playing for this club.