MIKE WILLIAMS is relishing another run-out in Wrexham’s first team.

The 19-year-old defender is in line to come into the Reds’ back three for Saturday’s League Two visit to high-flying Carlisle United if Dennis Lawrence fails to overcome a pulled chest muscle.

Still only a third-year scholar, Williams has made two starts and also two substitute appearance for the first team this season and has turned in some impressive performances.

Reds’ boss Denis Smith has not been afraid to turn to Williams and the left-footed defender said that has been a big boost in his development.

“When I first got my chance I wanted to show what I could do at this level and I have been happy with how I have done,” Williams said today. “I have had the experienced players to help me but the manager and the staff have been pleased with me which is important.

“I think I have put confidence in the manager with the way I have played and he would not be afraid to put me in again. And that makes me feel great that he has confidence in me.

“If Saturday comes and I am asked to play, I just have to do what I have done in the other games and keep performing.

“I have had experience with the first team and hope to get more chances. I am still only a third-year scholar and any chance I get is a bonus but the gaffer has been delighted with me and knows I have had the experience.

“I want to play more games with the first team and take my chance when I get it. There are a lot of games coming up and there could be an opportunity for me to play.”

Williams was not risked in the reserves 2-1 defeat against Rochdale at Buckley’s Globe Way in case Lawrence fails to recover from his chest injury in time to face the Cumbrians.

But the good news from last night’s game was that Andy Holt played for 45 minutes and Shaun Pejic and Jim Whitley both managed 90 minutes.

Reds boss Denis Smith said today that Pejic and Whitley had now put themselves in contention for the squad that travels to Brunton Park.

Williams will also be in the reckoning but the youngster has one major objective as he heads into the New Year - to earn a professional contract at the end of the season.

“It’s all going in the right direction for me,” said WIlliams. “But I don’t get ahead of myself, I am still a YTS player and need to keep performing to get a professional contract next year.

“That is the aim. All the years I have been at Wrexham, all I have trained and played, comes down to the end of the season when a decision is made.”

Football League rules state that because Wrexham are in administration, Smith is only allowed to operate with a squad of 20 senior players.

Williams has been given his chance because he does not fall under that category and he admits that he is unsure whether he is classed as a first-team squad member.

“I am there but not quite there,” WIlliams added. “The players treat me as a first team player but in training I do wear a different kit to them because I am still a third-year scholar. It’s weird.”

* Striker Lee McEvilly had a scan on his injured foot yesterday but the results of that scan won’t be known until tomorrow. “Lee played with the injury last Saturday so he could do so again,” said Smith.

* Keith Curle today insisted he was determined to succeed with a reduced squad this weekend. The Chester City boss will be without the majority of his regular first team players for Saturday’s home league match against Rushden and Diamonds. Curle will be without suspended quartet Ryan Lowe, Scott McNiven, Carl Regan, and Dave Artell. And the Blues will have to start without the services of Michael Branch, Gregg Blundell, Sean Hessey, and goalkeeping duo Chris MacKenzie and Ryan Brookfield. Curle may also be without midfielders Tom Curtis and Justin Walker and defender Phil Bolland who are rated as doubtful because they all have flu.