Wrexham are back in action on Tuesday night, travelling to take on League Two side Port Vale in the EFL Trophy.
Wrexham claimed a hugely important home win on Saturday afternoon, beating Peterborough United 1-0 at the STōK Cae Ras.
New Year’s Day had seen Wrexham lose at Barnsley but home comforts brought a win – even if Steven Fletcher had to come up with a late winner.
Fletcher has praised Wrexham’s fighting spirit but the attention now turns away from the League One promotion race.
Phil Parkinson must now focus on the EFL Trophy having enjoyed a strong run in the competition so far.
Wrexham took seven points from three group stage games against Salford City, Wolverhampton Wanderers Under-21’s and Port Vale.
Phil Parkinson shares Wrexham lineup hint
Wrexham then beat Crewe Alexandra 1-0 in a first knockout game, teeing up another meeting with Port Vale.
Now in the last eight of the Northern section, Wrexham will have dream of reaching Wembley.
Wrexham must turn up against Port Vale though with Parkinson no doubt ready to rest some key players.
The festive period has been relentless and this game – along with a break this weekend due to the postponed clash with Reading – presents a chance for some well-earned rest.
Fringe players must now step up and take their chance to shine with Parkinson already hinting at two players who may start.
Speaking to Wrexham’s official YouTube channel, Parkinson noted that midfielders George Evans and James Jones both need minutes.
The pair have endured injury-hit campaigns and Parkinson is seemingly looking to start with both players in midfield against Port Vale.
“We’ve now got a break, we’ve got the game Tuesday, which obviously we’ll freshen the team up because I think we’ve got to be fair to the lads who’ve played this period, they’re going to need a break.
“We can patch a few people up, get them in the treatment room, give the lads the chance to recharge their batteries but also give the lads on Tuesday who need some game time.
“George Evans and James Jones in particular those two who haven’t played a lot but have been training for the last week or two, we need to get those lads going again,” he added.
George Evans and James Jones injury latest
Evans missed a chunk of last season and it has been a similar story again this season.
Evans picked up an injury in October and was substituted in the 1-0 defeat at Stevenage.
The 30-year-old hasn’t played since and has therefore been limited to just five League One appearances this season.
Evans played against Salford City in the Central League in December though and made it through an hour as he stepped up his comeback.
Jones returned from injury against Crewe Alexandra in the last round of the EFL Trophy and was looking to build momentum.
Instead, Jones picked up another injury problem and hasn’t played again since.
Parkinson noted a long-running foot problem for Jones and will be hoping to avoid another injury setback if he does start against Port Vale.