YOUTH will still get a chance despite senior players returning to his squad was the message from Wrexham boss Denis Smith today.

The progress made by scholars Mike Williams and Jamie Reed, who have been given their chance because of injuries, has impressed the Reds’ boss this season.

And although the injury situation has improved drastically, Smith said that youngsters will still be considered and remain part of his plans.

“Football is never standing still, always moving, and you lose players but gain some,” Smith said today. “Brian Carey was forced to retire but at the other end Mike Williams has come in and done extremely well for us.

“No-one goes on forever and you need young players to keep coming through. With our youth policy, they will. And Mike has something other defenders here don’t have.

“He is left footed, can play left back, left wing back and in the centre, he gives me that balance. I am pleased with Mike, while Jamie Reed is constantly progressing and has been on the substitutes’ bench the last month. And Matty Done would have been in the squad if he did not keep getting injured.

“They are developing and that’s why I have not been afraid to turn to them. But when you read other club’s programmes, they refer to 22-year-olds as young, developing players. They are standing in at 17, 18 or 19 here and the problem is everyone expects them to world beaters. But it does take time to develop.”

Smith has turned to nineteen-year-old Williams to plug the Reds’ defence in recent weeks because of injuries to the back-line and is expected to be named in the squad when they face Mansfield at The Racecourse tomorrow night (7.45pm) with just Andy Holt and Levi Mackin on the casualty list.

Paul Warhurst has overcome a groin injury and although Shaun Pejic and Jim Whitley have played a number of reserve team matches as they continue their comebacks from serious knee injuries, are not likely to be considered tomorrow.

“Jim and Shaun are available for selection, and have had some reserve team matches but won’t be in the squad tomorrow,” said Smith. “Jim is as close as he has been and will keep getting better with each game. The way he has been tackling in training, getting in there, he looks right and there has been no reaction. It is the same with Shaun but they won’t be involved unless they are needed.”

However, Smith could be without striker Robbie Foy for the visit of Mansfield.

Foy, on-loan from Liverpool until next month, has flu and Smith was waiting to see if the Scottish under 21 international has made a full recovery: “Robbie’s father phoned me on Saturday and if it is as bad as it sounds, I am not expecting to see him,” added Smith. “That’s a nuisance because Robbie gives me an option when I want to change things. He is a different player to what I have here, and when I have changed it, it has proved to be decisive.”

Meanwhile, Wrexham are providing transport to and from tomorrow’s match from local pick up points as part of a special package.

Transport, a match-day programme, entry to the Centenary Club before and after the game, and a match day ticket, are included in a special £20 package which is for adults only, while five people will be chosen for the half-time crossbar challenge which has a £50 prize.

The pick up points are Mold Bus Station (6.15), the layby by Somerfield, Buckley (6.30), and the Red Lion. Penyffordd (6.45), while return is 10pm prompt.

To register, contact Mark Morris on (01978) 358545.

* Wrexham have been drawn away at Newport County in the quarter-finals of the FAW Premier Cup. In the other matches, which are scheduled for the week beginning January 9, Carmathen Town host Cardiff City, Rhyl entertain holders Swansea City and Newtown are also on home soil with TNS the visitors.