WREXHAM have completed the signing of two free agents as cover for injuries in Phil Parkinson's squad.

Midfielder Matty James and striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson have both arrived at The Racecourse on short term deals until January.

James, a product of the Manchester United academy has been without a club since leaving Bristol City at the end of last season.

The 33-year-old made 104 appearances for City in three Championship campaigns, scoring four goals, and previously enjoyed a long spell with Leicester City were he was a promotion winner and was with the Foxes when they won the Premier League in 2016.

On signing, James told the official club website: “It feels great to be given the opportunity to play again and to join a club that’s moving in a direction that everybody’s watching.

“I’m over the moon, and can’t wait to get started.

“It was a weird process for me, not being in a routine. I was training at Leicester, which I’m thankful for, but to be back inside a men’s environment here with the lads – they’re a fantastic bunch of lads and I’ve loved every minute so far.

“I want to enjoy playing football again, to try to help – be around the group, and whatever the gaffer wants me to do, I’ll do. I want to build up in terms of fitness and game time – and there’s a lot of games coming up, so I want to earn some minutes and move forward from there.”

Parkinson has recruited James because George Evans damaged ankle ligaments in the 1-0 League One defeat at Stevenage on October 1 and is facing a lengthy spell out of action while Andy Cannon and George Dobson are walking a disciplinary tightrope and are one booking away from a suspension.

The Reds' boss has brought in Bodvarsson, who has won 64 international caps for Iceland, to add to his attacking options.

Top scorer Jack Marriott suffered a broken leg in training last Thursday and is facing at least four months on the sidelines while Steven Fletcher is also out with a knee injury, leaving Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer and Mo Faal as the only recognised strikers on duty for Tuesday's goalless home draw against Huddersfield Town.

Bodvarsson signed for Bolton Wanderers in January 2022 but the 32-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Wrexham's League One rivals in the summer. 

The frontman scored 14 goals in 78 league appearances for Bolton and previously played for Wolves, Reading and Millwall after arriving in England in 2016.

He started his career in his home country, with Selfoss, and moved to Viking in Norway in 2013 before joining FC Kaiserslauten in Germany

On signing, he said:  “It’s great to be at a club like Wrexham. Everyone knows the history by now and it’s just a very exciting club to be a part of.

"I’m delighted to be here, and hopefully I can help the club achieve further success.

“It’s good to be back in the dressing room. I really missed it – I think my wife was going crazy! I’ve been training and trying to keep myself fit, but it’s good to be back in the environment and to work on getting my sharpness back.

“The manager and the coaches have been really good with me, getting straight back into it.

“It’s about finding myself again over the next few months. I want to get my confidence back for myself, work hard for the Club, and see where it gets me.”

Parkinson left two spots open when he submitted his squad to the EFL for the first half of the season and both James and Bodvarsson have been registered.

But he was limited when it comes to completing new signings due to injuries because clubs are only allowed to recruit free agents until the winter transfer window opens in January.

Parkinson said:  “I’d like to welcome Jón and Matty to the club. With injuries to George Evans, Jack Marriott and Steven Fletcher, it was important to bring them in, and we look forward to working with the two of them.”