Wrexham news: Virgil van Dijk’s inspiration as Wrexham chase a first under Phil Parkinson

Having made 13 signings in the summer, there were always going to be some players who struggled to get regular action at the Stok Cae Ras.

Sam Smith played a pivotal role in helping Wrexham gain promotion from League One having joined the club from Reading in January.

But the forward has been among those struggling to get consistent minutes – with Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Ipswich Town being his sole league start of the campaign.

The strength of the squad has been a real positive for the Welsh side though, with Smith typifying what Parkinson wants from those coming off the bench.

“I’ve got to mention Sam again because I thought his work for the team at Ipswich was outstanding,” said Parkinson.

“Sometimes it’s only when you watch the game back again in the cold light of day, how he pressed and recovered into the right positions. I’m very pleased with Sam and his chance will come again either with Kieffer or if we freshen the team up.”

He added: “You look at all teams, it’s been having that bench, to be able to go bang.

“There’s impact from the bench, freshness when you need it, but also from game to game.”