PHIL PARKINSON admits he has got decisions to make ahead of tomorrow’s clash against AFC Wimbledon after players impressed him in Wrexham’s midweek cup win.
The Reds go into the League Two showdown at Plough Lane on the back of a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over Wigan Athletic in the Carabao Cup.
With Wrexham beaten 5-3 by MK Dons on the opening day of the season, Parkinson made eight changes to his starting XI for the first round tie, which finished goalless after 90 minutes, and the Reds produced a much better performance.
The likes of Ben Foster, Ryan Barnett and Elliot Lee were given a breather as Parkinson gave players much needed game-time and Max Cleworth, Luke Young and Ollie Palmer were among those that impressed on their return to the side.
That has given Parkinson food for thought but he’s certainly not complaining.
“That’s what it is all about,” said the Reds’ boss.
“We have got a competitive squad and it is about when you get a chance, I want to stay in the team.
“A few players have done themselves no harm and I am really pleased that the lads have given us some decisions to make for the weekend.
“Those decisions will be based on making sure we have got the right freshness in the team as well as the players who we feel did well against Wigan.
“There's a lot of thinking to do but it is great to have that problem going into the weekend.”
Wrexham, promoted as National League champions last term, were given a rude awakening on their return to the Football League following a 15-year absence when they suffered a rare home defeat against MK Dons.
Parkinson described it as a reality check but he wasn’t pressing any panic buttons and he was delighted with the response on Tuesday.
“I have got a lot of faith in the lads, I really have,” said Parkinson.
“We are a close knit group, we have gone through a lot together.
“We don’t like losing, we are used to winning and it was great that we responded.
“It was a good step for us and we got our season off and running with a good performance. We are really pleased.
“It was really important to get going again as a team. It’s a nice boost for us after last weekend.”
Wrexham, installed as title favourites heading into the 2023-24 season, bounced back from the opening day defeat by beating League One outfit Wigan in the League Cup.
Parkinson is looking to build on the victory and register a first league win.
“It was a really important night for us is many aspects,” added the Reds’ boss.
“We’ve got ourselves a platform to go forward from.
“I was pleased with the performance and I am looking forward to building on it at the weekend.
“I am looking for us to put in an equally committed and disciplined performance at Wimbledon, and we will see where that takes us.”
After facing Wimbledon, Wrexham have back-to-back home games.
Walsall are the visitors to The STóK Cae Ras on Tuesday night while Wrexham host Swindon Town next Saturday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here