28 December 2004
By RICHARD WILLIAMS
Denis Smith |
There is a lot to look forward to in the second half of the season
|
DENIS SMITH is looking forward to
more of his injured players making their comebacks from injury in the New Year.
The Wrexham manager, whose plans have been thwarted by injuries this season, was
preparing for today's League One clash against Chesterfield at The Racecourse
(3pm) and was able to lame an 18 man squad.
Smith had no fresh injury worries following Boxing Day's 1-1 draw at Bradford
City, though midfielder Scott Green is unlikely to figure again as he is still
struggling with a groin strain. But with three of the last four long term
injured players set to return next month, it makes a pleasant change for Smith
who says fans will have a lot to look forward to in the New Year.
"I was hoping Scott would be available to face Chesterfield but he's trained
again and felt his groin. He's got no chance," said Smith.
"The good thing is that Carlos Edwards, Danny Williams and Dean Bennett have all
been out training and could be back in two or three weeks. That will be like
having three new players back.
"When we start getting players back, that little bit of experience, that little
bit extra, hopefully they will give us the extra goals we need to push us on.
"We have got a lot of good players to come back into the side and once we get
the injuries out of the way, we should see the benefit out on the pitch -
hopefully starting against Chesterfield.
"There is a lot to look forward to in the second half of the season."
A last minute penalty from Chris Armstrong earned Wrexham a point at Bradford,
and Smith will take a late check on his players in the lead up to kick-off
before deciding whether to name an unchanged side.
Smith praised his players for their never say die attitude at Bradford and in
the end was happy with a point.
He added: "I would have liked the three points but I was happy with one. We kept
at it and got our reward in the end. The attitude of the players has been first
class. I changed the team around a bit and I think we looked solid.
"I'll see how the players are and whether any have suffered any reaction after
the match and training yesterday.
"I imagine the team will be similar to that at Bradford but could make one or
two changes to give us fresh legs. We have had a busy period where I was not
able to tinker with things but now I have the opportunity to do that.
"All at once we are getting players back."
Wrexham continue their holiday programme on Saturday - New Year's Day - when
they host Blackpool at The Racecourse (3pm) before travelling to Sheffield
Wednesday, on Monday (3pm).
WREXHAM (from) Dibble, Pejic, Roberts, Lawrence, Whitley, Mackin, Ferguson,
Smith, Holt, Armstrong, Llewellyn, Ugarte, Sam, Spender, Morgan, Michael Jones,
Crowell, Mark Jones.