IAN Evatt has played down any bubbling rivalry with James McClean as the former Wigan Athletic man comes to town with Wrexham tomorrow.

In a week where the Bolton boss revealed he had mended bridges with John McAtee before signing him from Luton Town in the summer, he was asked whether similar reconciliation could be possible with the often-outspoken winger.

McClean has aimed a few barbs at Wanderers down the years, mainly on social media, and has actually scored more goals against the Whites than any other English club.

He has netted four times in 12 games, with three assists, and has a record of four wins, five draws and three defeats in the colours of Wigan, Sunderland and Stoke City.

Now 35, McClean has been made captain of Wrexham and will lead his side out in front of more than 25,000 for the televised game at the Toughsheet Stadium.

Evatt insists there is no ‘frosty relationship’ as they prepare to lock horns once again.

“I haven’t got a problem with James, I’ve got enough to deal with in my job to worry about anything like that,” he said. “It’s part of football but we’ll see what happens Sunday.”

McClean is virtually guaranteed a hot reception from the Bolton fans, given his former Latics allegiances, but Evatt believes the experienced Northern Irishman will be well used to the attention.

He said: “I think he probably embraces that, it spurs him on, to be honest. I don’t really know him, personally, but I am guessing that is the case.

“People that know him tell me he’s a decent fella, and I’d like to think I’m a decent fella too.

“I’m certainly man enough to shake his hand, what has happened, has happened, we’re both here to do a job. Winning football matches is all that really matters to me.”

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