PHIL PARKINSON described Jordan Tunnicliffe’s performance as “top class” on his first League Two start of the campaign against Bradford City.
A back problem meant the centre-back missed the final five games last season as Wrexham clinched the National League title and he was absent for the Reds’ return to the Football League due to a calf injury.
After making two EFL Trophy starts and two substitute appearances in the league, Tunnicliffe was back in the side for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bradford at Valley Parade and the 30-year-old was rock solid at the back as the Bantams piled on the pressure in the second half.
Parkinson heaped praise on Tunnicliffe, saying: “Aaron Hayden was ill so he missed out but I thought Jordan typified the performance.
“Some of the defending he did in the box was absolutely top class and sometimes you have got to appreciate that as much as the skill higher up the pitch.
“He is a player who puts his body on the line for the team.”
Wrexham took a second half lead when Ryan Barnett, back after serving a three-game suspension, sent in a terrific cross that was headed home by Paul Mullin.
“Barney was good,” said Parkinson. “First half he was a real threat, second half we couldn’t get the ball to him.
“The one time we did, it was a bit of quality. You know he is going to produce and it was a magnificent cross.
“He tired towards the end because he hadn’t played for a few weeks but if you can get him in those situations, he invariably produces quality.”
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