PHIL PARKINSON is keeping his fingers crossed Max Cleworth is not facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines but the Wrexham boss says players are ready to step in during his absence.

Cleworth has been in outstanding form for the Reds this term, picking up where he left off after scooping the Young Player of the Season award for the second time in 2023-24.

Ever present in the opening eight League One games and with three goals to his name, the 22-year-old limped off in the closing stages of Saturday's 0-0 draw with Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road which leaves Wrexham second in the table.

Waiting to discover how long he will be without Cleworth, Parkinson admits the talented defender will be a big loss but says he has players chomping at the bit ready to come into the team.

Lewis Brunt hasn't featured in the league since joining Wrexham from Leicester City in the summer and neither had fellow summer signing Dan Scarr - brought in from Plymouth Argyle - until he replaced Cleworth late on at Orient.

The duo, restricted to cup appearances this season along with Will Boyle, are standing by to replace the highly-rated Cleworth.  

"It is his ankle ligaments but the extent of it, we won't know until later," said Parkinson.

"We just hope Max isn't too bad but injuries happen. That is part and parcel of football.

"You have got to cope with them and we have got good players like Dan Scarr who has been outstanding in everything he has done since he has walked in the building.

"We have got Lewis Brunt who has obviously been waiting for his opportunity as well, we have got Will Boyle and George Evans can play there.

"Of course we want everybody available and fit but the reality is you are going to get injuries throughout the course of the season."