James’ only appearance this season came in August’s EFL Cup tie against Hull City while Ashfield played in two EFL Cup games this season, scoring against Preston North End.
Wrexham host Reading in the competition’s third round on Tuesday and are bidding to reach the fourth round for the first time since the 1977-78 season.
“I think our journey to this stage has been an interesting one,” Parkinson added.
“The Hull City game was full of excitement, 3-1 down, came back to 3-3 and great to win on pens.
“And the Preston game was another really good game of football between two good sides.
“So we’ve had to work hard to get here, two real tests and the two draws were both real challenges for us.
“Now we find ourselves in round three for the first time in a lot of years and I spoke to the lads about it.
“What an opportunity for us tomorrow to try and create a bit of history.”
Parkinson confirmed he will make changes to the team that won 3-2 at Norwich City in the Championship last Saturday.
