Ryan Reynolds tips James McClean for starring role

Hollywood superstar and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has backed Derry's James McClean to be a real leader the Welsh side as they make their return to the English League.

The 34-year-old has dropped down to League Two to join the ambitious Red Dragons for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £250,000 (€290K).

Phil Parkinson’s side were promoted from the National League last term and started their League Two campaign in typically thrilling fashion as they lost 5-3 to MK Dons.

Former Republic of Ireland under-21 player Eoghan O'Connell had a nightmare start to his Wrexham career by scoring an own goal after just six minutes. Mohamed Eisa doubled MK Dons’ lead before Jacob Mendy got one back before the break for the hosts.

Jonathan Leko restored the away side's two-goal advantage early in the second half and added another just after the hour mark. Jordan Davies pulled one back for Wrexham but Daniel Harvie responded for MK Dons. Limerick's Anthony Forde did score Wrexham's third in the final moments, but it wasn't enough.

McClean wasn’t involved in the matchday squad, although Reynolds, who bought the club alongside fellow actor Rob McElhenney in 2021, gave the Republic of Ireland international his seal of approval pre-game.

"I spoke with James, as did Rob and we’re super excited," Reynolds told Sky Sports.

"Not just because obviously he’s an enormous talent and a huge addition to the team, he’s a leader; he’s one of these guys you speak to and you are immediately filled with confidence and you understand that he understands what’s ahead of him and the job he needs to do.

"He’s going to be amazing in the locker room I think, he brings a tonne of experience. He’s like a lot of our players in the locker room, one of the things I’m