Rob Lainton, Wrexham’s 6ft 4in goalkeeper, is set to make his first appearance of the season when the Dragons entertain St Mirren this afternoon.
The former Port Vale, Burton and Cheltenham ‘keeper has missed all 16 Vanarama National League fixtures because off injury, but he’s ready to play in the Scottish Challenge Cup fourth round tie.
“I’m optimistic about Rob,” said manager Dean Keates. “He has trained the last couple of days and did a bit on the pitch on Tuesday so I am fairly optimistic he will get minutes at the weekend.”
St Mirren send their colts team to the Racecourse and Wrexham manager Dean Keates is expected to rest a number of first team regulars.
A place in the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Scottish Challenge Cup is up for grabs, but Keates will make changes.
“There are players who need minutes,” said Keates. “I will look to include Players not involved against Harrogate into this fixture.
“We will put a team out that I feel is capable of winning the game.”
Keates took charge of his first Wrexham match when they drew 1-1 against Harrogate Town and he says: “There are one or two who are here from when I was manager before, players that I tried to bring in myself but didn’t get them at that time, plus one or two more that have come in.
“I said to the players that after the Harrogate game they will get to know me better, what I am about and what I want, and the roles and responsibilities that will be given to them.
“They need to start enjoying their football again and play with a bit of swagger.
“On paper it is a great squad here. Confidence is a little bit low but they need to step up now and that only comes with hard work and that is what we will be expecting from them, to put a shift in for the football club and eventually their capabilities and attributes will come to the surface.”
The Dragons, entered into the Scottish competition to represent the Vanarama National League along with Solihull Moors, defeated Ayr United on penalties in the last round.
Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Scottish Challenge Cup last 16 ties:
Draw: Arbroath v Clyde, Airdrieonians v Elgin City, Raith Rovers v Glenavon, Partick Thistle v Connah’s Quay Nomads, Wrexham v St Mirren Colts, Stenhousemuir v Waterford, Solihull Moors v Ballymena United or Rangers Colts, Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Alloa Athletic.