Wrexham are gearing up for EFL Trophy action with Phil Parkinson preparing to take on Port Vale in the final game of the group stage.
Wrexham secured a huge victory on Saturday afternoon, beating Mansfield Town 1-0 at the STōK Cae Ras.
This was a tough win in the words of Rob McElhenney, with Wrexham having to really dig in for all three points.
This was the perfect response after losing 1-0 at Harrogate Town in the FA Cup, with League One action still going well for Wrexham.
Phil Parkinson must turn his attention back to cup action on Tuesday night though as Wrexham take on Port Vale in the EFL Trophy.
Wrexham are already through to the knockout stages after beating Salford City and Wolverhampton Wanderers Under-21’s.
Phil Parkinson on Josh Adam
Parkinson has already indicated that he will make 11 changes to his Wrexham team having already qualified.
This means fringe players such as Jacob Mendy could start the game whilst youngsters will certainly be looking for chances.
Harry Ashfield was compared to Andres Iniesta after Wrexham’s last EFL Trophy win, so this competition is certainly a big opportunity for young and fringe players.
One player we would expect to see in some capacity is midfielder Josh Adam.
Wrexham signed Adam as a free agent in September having been let go by Manchester City over the summer.
We saw Adam with the Wrexham first team before facing Harrogate Town but he wasn’t actually included in the squad.
The 20-year-old is still waiting for a chance and Parkinson has hinted that this could be the moment.
Speaking on Wrexham’s official website, Parkinson named Adam alongside a host of youngsters who could feature against Port Vale.
Parkinson picked out Ashfield, Aaron James, James Rainbird, Harry Dean and Callum Edwards as other young players in contention.
Parkinson noted that Adam has been ‘waiting patiently’ for his chance but will now be with the Wrexham first team for the EFL Trophy clash.
“It gives us an opportunity to add some youngsters to the squad,” said Parkinson.
“Harry Ashfield has played before, as has Aaron James, and they come into the squad. Young Josh Adam has been waiting patiently to be involved, and we also have James Rainbird, Harry Dean and Callum Edwards. They’re all young lads who can’t play in the FA Youth Cup the following day – we’ve left Nick Chadwick his squad together because that’s an important game for the Club – but equally we’ve got those six players in the first-team squad tomorrow and it will be good to get as many of them as possible some involvement.
“We’ve done that before in cup competitions and as Harry Ash showed in the last game, it’s these opportunities when we’ve got a chance to see players and see if they can become important for us – making the squad that little bit stronger,” he added.
Wrexham midfielders seeking opportunities
Adam is just one of a handful of Wrexham midfielders who are looking for chances to shine right now.
New signing Matty James needs minutes having last played competitive action at the end of last season.
This may be a prime opportunity for Parkinson to pair the experienced James with the youthful Adam against Port Vale.
James Jones is another such chase having only played 26 minutes of League One action this season.
The Scot has started both EFL Trophy games so far this season and will surely look to start again on Tuesday night.
Add in Ashfield and Parkinson certainly has plenty of options in his engine room ahead of facing Port Vale.