Barnett hopes to return against Shrewsbury

Ryan Barnett has assisted seven goals in League One this season

Ryan Barnett hopes to be fit in time for Wrexham's League One game against Shrewsbury Town on Thursday.

The 25-year-old wing-back missed the 1-0 win against Peterborough with a hip injury, but is hoping to prove his fitness to manager Phil Parkinson before the trip to The Croud Meadow to face struggling Salop.

"I've been back in light training, and it's up to the manager to decide whether I'm ready or not," said former Shrewsbury player Barnett.

"It's been disappointing with the injury. I don't want to miss any games, but sometimes these things happen. It's part and parcel of the game. I've looked after myself and the physio has been really good with me."

Barnett has been in fine form this season, creating seven goals while having the highest number of assists in League One.

Having joined from Solihull Moors in 2023 when Wrexham were playing in the National League, he is now in his fourth season with the club.

Barnett, who began his career with hometown club Shrewsbury, is looking forward to facing them again at Oteley Road after being part of Wrexham's 1-0 win last season in the FA Cup third round.

"I had a few boos and a few shouts from the fans in the warm-up. I was on the bench, but coming on I didn't get much from the fans," he said.

"I think they understand I was there as an academy kid more than a first-team player. I felt quite a lot of respect from the Shrewsbury fans."

Wrexham, currently third in League One, will go top if they beat Shrewsbury and complete a double, having won this season's first meeting 3-0 in September.

A third consecutive promotion remains a possibility, and Barnett is confident they can keep up the pace with current leaders Birmingham City and second-placed Wycombe Wanderers, who have just lost their manager Matt Bloomfield to Luton Town.

"We started off great as a team," added Bennett. "And we've put ourselves in a great position for the second half of the season to go and push towards the top end.

"It's just a case of continuing that form and the positivity we have in that dressing room, and the confidence we've got from the platform we've given ourselves. It's going to be a great run-in."

Shrewsbury, who sit 22nd in League One, 34 points adrift of Wrexham, have the option of bringing in their new signing, prolific Leamington striker Callum Stewart.