'Nowhere near enough' done by EFL over McClean abuse - Parkinson

James McClean's former clubs include Wigan Athletic, Sunderland, West Brom and Stoke City

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson says the EFL need to do more to protect James McClean from the abuse the midfielder receives during games.

Footage showed objects being thrown from the stands in the direction of McClean during Wrexham's 2-1 League One defeat at Shrewsbury Town last Thursday.

The former Republic of Ireland international has regularly been targeted by opposition supporters throughout his professional career.

"Occasionally the level of abuse goes too far and I'm not sure enough is done about it," Parkinson said.

"People are quite quick to jump on the back of players for stepping out of line and referees are quick to give people yellow cards.

"Then I think what are the EFL doing about the level of abuse Jimmy gets on a week to week basis and for me it's nowhere near enough.

"But unfortunately I don't think my words are going to be enough to change that."

The EFL is investigating crowd incidents during the game at Shrewsbury, when stewards had to form a barricade as McClean went to take a throw-in in front of home fans.

Play was briefly halted as a result, with footage showing objects being thrown from the stands in the direction of McClean.

In response McClean made derogatory comments about Shrewsbury on his Instagram account after the game which he later deleted.

"I feel for James because the level of abuse he gets is something I've never witnessed for a player," Parkinson added.

"He's a great lad and it's human nature that will spill over with him.

"Go back to the Barnsley game, Birmingham away and obviously the other day and for anybody that's difficult to deal with.

"But he's a tough character and he's focusing on what he's got to do on the pitch

"And we're working with him to block everything out and concentrate on bringing to the team what he has done every since he's been here which is great honesty, incredible drive and determination for the group and real leadership qualities.

"I know on Thursday night our supporters are going to be right behind Jimmy because he deserves that and because he's been a brilliant signing for us."

McClean had received a hostile reception away to Birmingham City, the same side Wrexham host on Thursday evening at the Stok Racecourse.

Birmingham, who won the reverse fixture 3-1 at St Andrew's last September, are currently top of League One and five points ahead of third-placed Wrexham.

Wrexham's Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will be up against NFL legend Tom Brady, a minority shareholder of Birmingham City.

"It's a mouthwatering clash," Parkinson said.

"A lot was made of the first one and the terrific atmosphere on the night.

"Thursday will be no different here at the Racecourse – it will be bouncing and it's a game that everybody, when the fixtures came out, was eagerly anticipating.

"Of course there's a different level of media attention for this game with the two club's profiles and American owners.

"We've got to keep our focus on the 90 minutes."