ARTHUR OKONKWO is Wrexham's first choice goalkeeper but Phil Parkinson feels Luke McNicholas has shown he is ready to step in if required.

Okonkwo, brought in on a season-long loan from Premier League giants Arsenal, took over between the posts from Mark Howard at the end of September and has started the last eight League Two games as well as the 2-1 FA Cup first round win at Mansfield Town.

But McNicholas made his Reds' debut in the 3-0 EFL Trophy victory at Crewe Alexandra last month and was again named in the team for the final group game with Port Vale at The Racecourse last Tuesday.

Wrexham won 2-1 and the 23-year again produced another assured display.

Okonkwo has become Wrexham's number one following a serious of impressive performances but Parkinson believes McNicholas, who joined on a short-term contract from League of Ireland Premier Division side Sligo Rovers in August to bolster the Reds' goalkeeping options, can step up to the plate in the league if needed.

"I was contemplating Mark or Luke against Port Vale but I just wanted to give Luke a chance in front of 7-8,000 people at home to give him a taste of it," said the Reds' boss.

"He experienced the Wrexham support away at Crewe but I just wanted him to get that feel for The Racecourse ground for if and when he is needed.

"He is another one we have got to make sure he is ready and he showed against Port Vale that be backs himself, and that was good to see.

"Luke is a good goalkeeper.

"He has been a little bit unfortunate but he is confident, you can see that.

"He is very good distributing with his feet and he is athletic; that save he made it the first half was outstanding.

"Not only that, he caught a couple of crosses at the end and he was nice and calm in everything he did so I was really pleased with Luke."