THE last time striker Lee McEvilly played at the Racecourse he won two penalties and also scored against Wrexham as his then club Rochdale romped to a 5-2 victory against Denis Smith's side.

Tomorrow, the 24-year-old Everton fan hopes to make his debut for the Dragons against European champions Liverpool before going on to spearhead the club's assault on promotion.

"It would be a great way to start my Wrexham career," the Northern Ireland international said yesterday after completing his first training session with his new team-mates.

"I only got back from a holiday in Las Vegas in the early hours of Wednesday, so I'm still feeling a bit jet-lagged but I would really like to play at some stage in the game.

"Coming from Liverpool, although I'm an Everton supporter, would make it a special occasion and the prospect of turning out in front of a big crowd is also exciting."

McEvilly, who arrives at the Racecourse after a 12-month spell with Accrington Stanley, was targeted by Dragons boss Smith almost as soon as last season came to an end - and the manager has high expectations of his new acquisition.

"Accrington have released him, although they will get a percentage of any sell-on fee," said Smith. "He's signed a 12-month deal but hopefully we'll be able to hang on to him for longer than that.

"I was impressed with him when he was at Rochdale because he looked to be a handful. He's an old-fashioned centre forward who can hold the ball up well and I think that will suit us.

"He's someone I've been interested in for two or three years and it's only now the opportunity has arisen to bring the lad in. If he does as well for me as he's done for his other clubs, I'll be well pleased."

Smith is gambling that McEvilly and his other new striker, Jon Walters, can forge a partnership similar to that between Andy Morrell and Lee Trundle during the club's last successful promotion campaign three years ago.

"We've got some size up front because they are both big lads who are also very mobile," he added. "It's too early to make an assessment and, while it's fair to say their experience is limited, they both have a pedigree and I can't see any reason why they won't score goals.

"I was surprised Lee dropped into non-league football but he also did well at that level. Once he has attained the fitness levels demanded of Football League players I'm sure he will get goals."

And McEvilly can't wait to get started, adding: "The gaffer has convinced me Wrexham are a club on the up.

"Strikers are in the team to score goals and pull their weight as well. Defending starts from the front and wherever I've played goals have never been a problem. I don't see any reason why that can't continue to be the case.

"At some stage I'm sure Jon and me - if that's the front two pairing - will sit down and have a chat together because we need to complement each other. This is my second shot at League football and I feel confident things will work out for me this time."

Amendments to the all-ticket policy for tomorrow's friendly against the European champions mean that cash will be accepted at the Kop turnstiles (£13 and £7 concesssions). Tickets for all other areas of the ground will also be available prior to kick-off but must be obtained from the club offices.

Next Wednesday's friendly with Wittion Albion has been called off. Instead, Wrexham will travel to Colwyn Bay on Tuesday evening (7.30pm).

Lee McEvilly   Real name Lee McEvilly   Height 6.00   Weight 13.00   Date of birth 15-04-1982   Place of birth Liverpool   Position Forward   Nationality Northern Ireland   International Caps 1   International Goals 0     All time playing career Club From To Fee League FA Cup League cup Other Accrington 11-05-2004   Free  36 (3) 15 0 (0) 0 0 (0) 0 2 (0) 2 Accrington 17-01-2004 04-03-2004 Loan  3 (3) 2 0 (0) 0 0 (0) 0 0 (0) 0 Rochdale 26-12-2001 11-05-2004 £ 20000  55 (30) 25 5 (2) 1 0 (0) 0 3 (0) 1 Burscough 01-08-2000 26-12-2001   No appearance data available Totals £ 20000 94 (36) 42 5 (2) 1 0 (0) 0 5 (0) 3   goals / game 0.32 0.14 n/a 0.6 Courtesy of Soccer Base Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals

The gaffer has convinced me Wrexham are a club on the up

Lee McEvilly

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