PHIL PARKINSON is set to ring the changes when Wrexham face Salford City at The Racecourse tonight in their opening EFL Trophy group stage game.

The Reds beat arch rivals Shrewsbury Town 3-0 in Saturday's cross-border derby at The Racecourse to maintain the unbeaten start to the season and took over as League One leaders.

A number of players have been carrying knocks so Parkinson, armed with a large squad oozing quality, is likely to give captain James McClean and playmaker Elliot Lee - among others - a welcome breather.

"James played with an injection in his foot on Saturday," said Parkinson. "He didn't train all week.

"He had a nasty blow to his foot so he needs to have some period of rest.

"Elliot has got to see a specialist. Nothing serious but we need to clear something up with him.

"There's a few we need to patch up but equally, it's a great opportunity for people to get some minutes."

Midfielder Andy Cannon, who started the opening four league games, missed out against Shrewsbury through injury but Parkinson had good news to report.

"Andy's not serious," said the Reds' boss. "He had a fitness test on Saturday but we have got some good players, a lot of options, and there was no need to risk him.

"He has got a slight problem when he gets fatigue which is causing his hamstring to tighten up but we can manage his workload and I am expecting him to be back for next week."

Ollie Rathbone made his first league start in the absence of Cannon while fellow summer signings Callum Burton, Sebastian Revan, Lewis Brunt, Dan Scarr and Mo Faal come into the reckoning tonight when Wrexham begin their EFL Trophy campaign which includes another home game against Wolves under 21s and a trip to Port Vale.

"We have got players who aren't making the bench at the moment that could easily get in the team and stay in the team," added Parkinson. "I firmly believe that.

"It's just that, like we have done in previous years, we have gone with the lads who got us over the line last year apart from George Dobson.

"He has come in and his performances speak for themselves, and obviously George Evans got injured.

"The lads who got us over the line last year deserve to start but there are some good players ready and waiting."