WREXHAM will qualify for the knock-out stages of the EFL Trophy if they beat Wolves under 21s at The Racecourse tonight and it's a competition that Phil Parkinson won't devalue.

The Reds, who won the competition in 2005, beat Salford City 2-1 in their opening group game last month with Paul Mullin and Will Boyle on target.

Victory this evening against Wolves' young guns will guarantee Wrexham's place in the last 32 ahead of the final group match at Port Vale on Tuesday November 12.

Although Parkinson has used the competition to give players valuable game-time, it was still a strong team against Salford and he knows the rewards are high if Wrexham go on a run.

"This competition is an exciting one because the prize is a trip to Wembley so you never discount it," said the Reds' boss.

"But as a manager you have got to utilise the squad for the motivation of the group.

"We are not about 11 players, we are about the whole squad pulling together. Working on the training pitch, driving each other on whether you are in or out of the team.

"We showed that against Salford."

Wrexham, back in the EFL Trophy after clinching the National League title following a record breaking 2022-23 campaign, won all three group matches last season to reach the knockout stages and secure a home tie in the last 32 where Burton Albion triumphed 3-2.

Tonight's opponents Wolves drew 2-2 at Port Vale in their first outing but lost 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out.