EOGHAN O'CONNELL says playing Premier League teams in front of sell-out crowds on pre-season tours overseas shows Wrexham are heading in the right direction.

Phil Parkinson's side took part in four friendlies, including high-profile matches against Chelsea and Manchester United, during last year's trip to America as part of the build-up to the League Two campaign.

With another promotion in the bag, Wrexham are preparing for the step-up to League One by playing two games in the States - Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in Santa Barbara was followed by last night’s clash with Chelsea in Santa Clara - before heading to Canada for the first time to face Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place on Saturday.

O'Connell feels being able to line-up opponents such as Chelsea is a statement of intent.

"It says a lot about where the club is at and where the club is going," said the centre-back.

"To play those big teams in games with the amount of fans that will be there.

"It is an incredible thing for the club and shows where the club can go."

Wrexham's profile has risen since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their takeover at The Racecourse in February 2021, and the impact of the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary has earned a new legion of fans in America.

O'Connell was shocked by the level of support on the maiden trip across the pond and the 28-year-old is grateful he's had the opportunity.

"The support we have got in America is incredible," said the back-to-back promotion winner.

"We were all taken aback by it as soon as we arrived last year.

"The first game against Chelsea was an eye-opener for what was to come.

"It was an unbelievable experience last year. It was a brilliant trip and we all loved it.

"We were all looking forward to it again. It is an incredible thing for us to have, being able to go away to America and Canada for just under two weeks in pre-season.

"We are very lucky to have that opportunity.

"The games last year were incredible and I'm sure it will be similar this time so it is something we are all looking forward to."

It's a dream trip for the Reds' players but O'Connell insists the emphasis is on hard work ahead of the new season which kicks-off against Wycombe Wanderers at The Racecourse on Saturday Augsut 10. 

"We are there to work and we are there to train hard," added the defender, who started his career at Celtic and joined the Reds from Charlton Athletic in January 2023.

"We are very aware of that, we never really got side-tracked by it and it is the same this year.

"It is a nice trip and a great experience for everyone but we will be working hard as well."