Wrexham are preparing for their EFL Trophy last-16 clash with Port Vale off the back of a dramatic win over Crawley Town.
Wrexham’s original EFL Trophy clash with Port Vale was postponed due to snow in the surrounding areas of Port Vale’s ground and Phil Parkinson’s side are now set to go all out for their last realistic shot at silverware this season.
Wrexham will be hoping to use momentum from Elliot Lee’s last minute winner against Crawley Town and it is expected that Ryan Longman will make his full debut in the Wrexham predicted XI.
Fellow new signing Jay Rodriguez could also feature in the match to get more minutes under his belt and the former Burnley striker has been speaking about what he will bring to the Wrexham squad.
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Jay Rodriguez believes his experience of highs and lows in football can benefit Wrexham
Speaking to the Wrexham official YouTube channel, Rodriguez has been speaking about what he can bring to the squad ahead of their push for promotion from League One.
Rodriguez stated: “I’ve had highs and lows in my career as every footballer does, I’ve experienced a lot in my career and I just try to stay consistent and keep a level head through the highs and the lows.”
Rodriguez has scored 154 career goals across a range of levels from the Championship to the Premier League and his experience will be invaluable to Parkinson’s team.
There will inevitably be highs and lows during a promotion race and Parkinson will hope that Rodriguez’s calm mentality will rub off on the rest of the squad.
Rodriguez and Sam Smith impressed in their debut against Crawley Town
Wrexham looked a side with renewed energy in their victory over Crawley Town, especially in the first half. Wrexham fans were impressed with Rodriguez and Smith and in particular how they occupied the opposition defenders.
That was exactly how the opening goal from Matty James came about, Smith and Rodriguez dragged defenders out of position to allow the midfielder to arrive into the space from deep.
Smith is nine years behind Rodriguez in terms of experience however, the duo seem to have already struck up an understanding and the EFL Trophy clash with Port Vale could be the perfect opportunity to continue the partnership.
It remains to be seen what the two signings mean for the futures of the likes of Ollie Palmer and Modou Faal with the transfer deadline looming.