Phil Parkinson can have few concerns after the start Wrexham have made to life in League One, but the manager is especially pleased with the strength in depth running through his squad this campaign.
Their last fixture was a stylish 3-0 EFL Trophy win over Wolverhampton Wanderers Under-21s that saw some of Wrexham’s fringe players state their cases for more playing time in the league.
While he may stick more with the tried and tested for Saturday’s trip to Rotherham United (15:00 BST) – especially after last weekend’s game with Lincoln City was postponed due to international commitments – Parkinson admitted more than a few have caught his eye.
“I thought it was a good night’s work [against Wolves] for us and… we shouldn’t underestimate the professionalism and standards we set in that game,” Parkinson said.
“People might say, ‘Oh, it’s only Wolves Under-21s’ but Aston Villa [Under-21s] went to Bolton and won on penalties against them, and if the attitude and motivation is not right then you can come unstuck in those games.
“I was very pleased that the lads performed well, obviously delighted for Mo [Faal] to get his first goal.
“He’s working every day in training, we’re chipping away with him, getting him fitter, making him understand his role for us within the team, but he’s got an eye for goal and that finish was typical of him.
“Brunty (Lewis Brunt) getting a goal as well and backing up his cameo performance against Northampton with a superb display just showed us what we know, that he’s a very good player all round.
“And Ollie Rathbone I thought was outstanding for us; he’s had to be patient since he’s been here but that’s just like other players who have joined us, but equally he’s had a couple of setbacks early with little injuries but I thought he was immense and he’s carried that into training this week.”
