Cardiff tie 'doesn't need explaining' to Wrexham

Phil Parkinson guided Bradford City to the League Cup final during the 2012-13 season

Phil Parkinson admits he has not needed to highlight the importance of Wrexham's EFL Cup tie with Cardiff City to his players given the build-up to the fourth round fixture.

The pair will meet for the first time in 21 years at the Stok Cae Ras on Tuesday night (20:00 BST), with Parkinson admitting the Welsh derby has been the main topic of discussion in the town of late.

"When the draw came out it was an exciting one for everybody," he said.

"It's a Welsh derby and the chance to get into the quarter-finals for only the third time in our history so it's an exciting evening ahead.

"I had a chat with the lads about our history in this competition and the rivalry between Wrexham and Cardiff.

"I don't think it needed too much explaining because everywhere I've been going in the last few weeks, supporters have been speaking to me about that and I'm sure the players have been the same."

Wrexham go into the match with the Bluebirds having claimed four points from the last six on offer in the Championship while Cardiff have lost three of their past six League One games.

And Parkinson feels his side can exploit Cardiff's openness, but admits he has little interest in who holds the tag of being favourites for the game.

"I've had a good look at Cardiff, they're a good team, anyone that's at the top of their respective league has got talent in the team," added the Wrexham boss.

"They give up chances, but they can score. They're quite an open team, on the transition in particular, so I think it's going to be an entertaining game.

"Are we favourites? Home advantage, a division above them, I imagine the bookies will have us as slight favourites, but I'm not concerned about that either way.

"All we're concentrating on is our performance level and picking the team and bench we feel can give our fans the bragging rights in this Welsh derby."

Brunt suffers 'long-term injury'

Defender Lewis Brunt has featured 11 times in all competitions for Wrexham this season

Wrexham will be without Lewis Brunt for the contest with Brian Barry-Murphy's side after he sustained a thigh injury during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough.

And Parkinson revealed the defender is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines - with Ollie Rathbone and Ben Sheaf due to be assessed ahead of the game.

"It's not good with Brunty, he had a scan yesterday, he's going to see a specialist," said Parkinson.

"We're hoping that he won't need an operation but it is a long-term injury.

"The actual time scale we won't know until he's seen a specialist, so we've got problems in terms of a few areas in the team, but I'm sure Brian [Barry-Murphy] has got a few problems himself.

"We'll deal with those and also protect a few of the lads who have been carrying knocks in the last two league games - we'll assess those closer to kick-off."