Wrexham take on Stoke City in the Championship on Saturday. But for Ran Longman, it could be the last start he makes for a while.
Ryan Longman has been starting at left-back in the absence of Liberato Cacace at Wrexham, with Longman featuring in all nine Championship games this season with one goal and one assist to his name.
He’s looked solid in the last few outings in particular. But Cacace is expected to return to the Wrexham squad for the game against Stoke City on Saturday.
What Phil Parkinson said about Liberato Cacace
Speaking ahead of the Stoke City game, Phil Parkinson gave an injury update on Cacace at Wrexham. He revealed that the Kiwi is ready to return to action after missing the last few weeks through injury, following his summer move from Empoli.
Parkinson said: “We’ve took our time and made sure he’s right. He did a lot of work with the medical team on the grass last week; while other people were off, he’s been in working and now he’s joined in fully and he’s ready to go.”
Ryan Longman vs Liberato Cacace
We’ve not seen all that much of Cacace. But Wrexham fans were impressed with Cacace’s debut performance against Southampton on the opening day and Parkinson has been eager to get him back fit.
Whilst Longman has held his own, Cacace arguably offers a lot more going forward, at least going off of what we’ve seen of him so far this season.
And Parkinson’s style of play is one that favours attacking wing-backs, as we’re seeing with Issa Kabore who’s become a key player following his deadline day loan move from Man City.
Longman could keep his spot for Stoke if Cacace isn’t fully fit to start. But after that, it could be Cacace’s position to lose.