'Wrexham must wish Fletcher was four years younger'

Iwan Roberts says Wrexham must be wishing Steven Fletcher was younger after the former Scotland international's midweek winner at Huddersfield Town.

Fletcher came off the bench to score the only goal at the John Smith's Stadium as Wrexham maintained the pressure on second-placed Wycombe Wanderers in the push for automatic promotion to the Championship.

It was the 37-year-old's seventh goal of the season, making him Wrexham's joint-top scorer in League One this season alongside attacking midfielder Elliot Lee and defender Max Cleworth.

That is despite the fact that just two of Fletcher's 28 league appearances this season have been starts.

"It's just a shame Steven Fletcher isn't four years younger," former Wales striker Roberts told this week's Feast of Football podcast.

"Once again he came on, he gets things down, holds the ball up, little touches with the outside of his foot and he is a livewire in the box."

Fletcher came on for another experienced forward, Jay Rodriguez, at Huddersfield.

The former England player is yet to score in six league appearances since joining Wrexham from Burnley in January.

Rodriguez has been playing alongside fellow mid-season signing Sam Smith, who has scored once in his six Wrexham league games to date.

"They were the two big signings in January, even though Rodriguez came on a free, [he is on] big wages," Roberts added.

"Sam Smith is an absolute workaholic - doesn't give you a minute's peace.

"But it is not quite working for them at the minute. In the first half [at Huddersfield], they seemed to be miles apart, playing like total strangers.

"When you play with five at the back, it gives you a chance to play with two up front. They are just too far apart. They should be between 10 and 15 yards from each other."

The arrivals of Smith and Rodriguez have seen the likes of Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer fall down the pecking order under Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson.

"When you think, he has binned Ollie Palmer," Roberts said.

"I am not saying he is the answer – he's only scored three goals all season. Paul Mullin can't get in the team.

"You have Jack Marriott coming back from his long-term injury. He is still getting up to speed.

"But I guess as long as they are winning games, it doesn't really matter who is scoring."