Wrexham new boy Revan growing in 'amazing' McClean's shadow
James McClean may be a player many fans love to hate, but Wrexham new boy Seb Revan says he loves the inspirational Irishman.
Utility player McClean, 35, is a perennial pantomime villain for opposition supporters.
And the former Republic of Ireland international again received stick as the League One club bowed out of the Carabao Cup at Bramall Lane in a 4-2 defeat to Sheffield United.
But Revan, who grabbed his first Wrexham goal in the midweek clash, says McClean is “an amazing person”.
“I love him,” said 21-year-old Revan. “He’s a great guy. Obviously he’s got a reputation but I don’t take any notice of that, I just judge him for myself and I think he’s an amazing person.
“He’s so helpful on and off the pitch for me and my career, so it’s a pleasure to work with him.”
Revan started in the wing-back role McClean has held down, the veteran having started there in Saturday’s League One opening-day win against Wycombe Wanderers.
McClean signed from Wigan Athletic last August, the 103-cap former international making 44 appearances last season across a variety of positions, with his experience and double-figure assists playing a key role in the north Wales club's second successive promotion.
It was of little surprise, then, that McClean was offered a new two-year deal ahead of the return to the third tier.
With striker Paul Mullin still recovering from back surgery, McClean wore the armband through pre-season and led the side in midweek as the only survivor from the victory over the Chairboys.
Despite a career touching upon almost 600 games, the ex-West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland and Stoke City man is still seen as one of the fittest in the Racecourse ranks.
Revan said: “His versatility is amazing and how fit he is – he’s probably the fittest in the team. It really helps the team how he can keep going, keep playing in many positions, he’s a great asset for the team.”
With another wing-back, Jacob Mendy, closing in on his return to fitness, Revan says he relishes the challenge for a starting spot in Phil Parkinson’s side, while pointing out he can also play in different roles.
The flier caught the eye in the defeat to Championship side Sheffield United as he made his first start since his summer arrival, his debut having been off the bench against Wycombe.
Revan’s late consolation was described by Parkinson as being “exactly where you want your wide players to be”, hailing his display that could have seen the youngster score a hat-trick.
Having tasted Championship action on loan at Rotherham United last year, Revan is now keen to kick-on at the Racecourse and follow in the footsteps of some his FA Youth Cup-winning teammates from his Aston Villa days.
“There’s a few who’ve done well: Carney Chukwuemeka went to Chelsea, and Omari Kellyman is there now, Aaron (Ramsey) at Burnley,” said Revan. “There’s been quite a few so hopefully I can get to where they are right now and kick on further.
“It’s (Wrexham) a club going in the right direction, a good group of players and staff and it’s well run overall so I’m glad to be here.
“They’ve had a great couple of seasons and moving in the right direction, so hopefully we can help each other on the way.
“There’s great quality all over the squad. In every position we have great options, so for the players that aren’t starting it’s a challenge to get in, but I just have to keep trying my best and hopefully I can get in.
“I’m a defender first, but I love to attack, it’s something I enjoy, so I love to get forward when I can so hopefully I can help us keep the ball out the net and put the ball in the other net.
“It was great to make my debut, hopefully I can keep performing well and get more starts, more assists, more goals.”
