PHIL PARKINSON says four injured players are closing in on a return and the Wrexham manager is looking forward to having more centre-backs at his disposal.

Defensive trio Aaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Eoghan O'Connell have been sidelined for various amounts of time but Parkinson revealed they are all making good progress.

"Aaron, Jordan and Eoghan are all getting close to coming back into full training which is great news for us," said the Reds' boss.

"It has been unfortunate to lose players in the same position but they are all working hard on the training pitch and doing everything they can.

"The medical team are working extremely hard with them and hopefully we will have some good news shortly."

Ollie Palmer has missed the last five matches with a calf problem but Parkinson revealed the striker, who has scored six goals this season, is also progressing well although he refused to say when any of his injured players will be available for selection.

"Ollie is closing in on a return as well," said Parkinson.

"It's a similar timeline with them all, they are getting there.

"Over the Christmas period they were in all the time, they were all working hard while we were away at the weekend and making good progress.

"They are all closing in on a return."