STEVEN GERRARD and the European Cup will be on parade at The Racecourse on Saturday.

That was just the news Wrexham wanted to hear today as the cash-strapped Reds plan for a money-spinning sell-out for their prestigious preseason friendly.

After his amazing U-turn today, Liverpool skipper Gerrard is almost certain to play, and with the added bonus of the European Cup on show, club officials at both The Racecourse and Anfield were today predicting a surge of late ticket sales.

Ticket sales were approaching the 8,000 mark today and Wrexham's football secretary, Geraint Parry, said: "Liverpool will be parading the European Cup and we'll probably do the same with the LDV Vans Trophy.

"Tickets are selling, but no tickets will be available on the day of the game and our offices will be open until 6pm tonight, tomorrow and Friday."

Wrexham's friendly with Liverpool last season was a sell-out and if they can repeat that again what a perfect start to the season it would be for Denis Smith, his players and the fans.

"Steven Gerrard's changed his mind this morning. That's good news for us," said a delighted Smith, who admitted he's been trying to get hold of Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry this week to discuss Saturday's game.

"I've been trying to contact Rick to ask him if they want us to line up a certain way to help them prepare for their cup matches. He's obviously had other things to deal with."

Parry, whose son Jonathan plays for one of Wrexham's Centre of Excellence sides, revealed he had persuaded Gerrard that the club did not want to sell him in emotional phone calls late last night and early this morning.

Parry said: "Stevie had decided to stay. The last few days have been so difficult for him and I apologise to Stevie if I misread his emotions. But, in the last 24 hours he has reflected on it and decided to stay and it's what we wanted all along."

Liverpool turned down an offer from Chelsea, said to be £32million, but it seemed only a matter of time before the 25-year-old England midfielder would leave the European champions to join the Premiership champions.

Some Liverpool fans burnt their Gerrard shirts as disappointment turned to fury but, for the second summer running, Gerrard had a last-minute change of heart.

The prospect of Gerrard playing on Saturday excites Reds boss Smith, who added: "It's going to be a great day.

"I'm just looking forward to the game. We'll be trying things out and I've got the make sure the lads don't overdo it because they'd have only been back a few days by the time of the game."

Although the game has been hastily arranged with the players only returning for pre-season training on Monday, Smith says Wrexham will have a good side out - a side that should include a new striker, who was expected a tie up a deal in the next 24 hours.

"He's flying in from America today," said Smith. "So it should go through and he could play on Saturday."

There will also be some role to play for Rodney Jack, who has been training with the Reds this week.

Reds' fans will get their first chance to see Jon Walters and Dave Bayliss while former loan stars, Lee Roche and Mike Ingham will also be pulling on a red shirt again.

"It was good to get Lee signed on yesterday," added Smith. "When the striker deal is completed we're almost there. The only player we're missing is Dennis Lawrence, who started his Gold Cup with Trinidad today."

? Wrexham have re-arranged two away preseason friendlies at Hereford and Newtown.

The Reds now go to Edgar Street on Wednesday July 20 (7.45 kick off) to avoid a clash with TNS home leg in the European Cup against Liverpool at The Racecourse.

The away game at Newtown has also been put back 24 hours to July 21.

We'll be trying things out and I've got the make sure the lads don't overdo it because they'd have only been back a few days by the time of the game

Denis Smith