Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson to use squad 'to maximum' in coming weeks

Wrexham are challenging for promotion to League One after reaching League Two for this season under Phil Parkinson

Phil Parkinson says that his squad will be utilised "to the absolute maximum" in the coming weeks as his side prepare for six games in 23 days.

The Wrexham manager is looking forward to the contribution of some fringe players over the busy Christmas period.

Second-placed Wrexham are at second-bottom Forest Green Rovers in League Two on Saturday.

"We've got lads who have been training really hard... and are ready for action when called upon," Parkinson said.

The manager highlighted midfielder Andy Cannon as an example to those who have so far struggled for minutes in League Two this season.

Parkinson said Cannon is "someone who didn't play a lot in the early part of the season and has got in the team and made a real statement".

He added: "I feel that we have got other players ready to do that as well."

Wrexham must do without nine injured players, including defender Aaron Hayden, who picked up an injury in their 3-0 FA Cup second round win against Yeovil last weekend.

Parkinson made 11 changes to his starting line-up for the midweek defeat by Burton Albion the EFL Trophy as the Dragons exited the competition.

"We went into the game to use it as preparation for the month ahead and the physical data in the game was excellent and the lads got a real good workout," he said.

"Of course you always want to win every game, but there were a lot of aspects of the evening that we were very pleased with and that will hold us in good stead for the month ahead."