Wrexham

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Wrexham striker Nathan Broadhead was delighted to score his third senior goal for Wales but ultimately disappointed by the 4-2 defeat World Cup qualifying defeat by Belgium in Cardiff.

Wales' hopes of qualifying automatically for the World Cup were effectively ended - with Craig Bellamy's side now almost certainly having to go via the play-offs to secure their place in next summer's finals.

Broadhead came on as a substitute with just under 20 minutes remaining at the Cardiff City Stadium with Wales trailing 2-1 at the time.

The 27-year-old revealed that Bellamy told him to "play his own game and try to nick a goal" before he was introduced to the action.

"I'm delighted I did that," Broadhead said. "I always believe I can score goals at any level.

"But we're disappointed and hopefully the results go our way next month.

"Both games are must-win and the fans will support us. Hopefully we can get the six points."

Wales face Liechtenstein on 15 November in Vaduz and a win would see Bellamy's side draw level on points with North Macedonia.

Victory over North Macedonia in the final group game on 18 November in Cardiff would secure second place and a play-off spot.

Until then Broadhead's focus returns to Wrexham and the club's Championship campaign.

The former Ipswich Town player has scored twice for the Dragons during an injury disrupted start to his season.

"I love scoring goals and hopefully I can get many more for Wrexham," Broadhead said.

"I can't wait really for the season to get going for myself.

"It's taken a while. I had the injury but I'm enjoying it and I think we can do well this season."

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Liam Cullen reckons Snoop Dogg could make his first appearance at a Swansea City game when Alan Sheehan's team play Hollywood-owned Wrexham in December.

Swansea have indicated the American rapper will attend a fixture after he became a co-owner and investor at the Championship club in July.

There have long been suggestions that the visit of Wrexham, who are owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, on Friday, 19 December may see Snoop Dogg make a maiden visit to the Swansea.com Stadium.

And it appears that is also the talk within the Swansea dressing room.

"I think he (Snoop Dogg) is actually coming over for the Wrexham game, that's what I've heard," Swansea forward Cullen told this week's Feast of Football podcast.

"I am looking forward to seeing him."

Snoop Dogg's son Cordell Broadus has already visited Swansea, meeting the players and watching the game from the directors' box as Sheehan's men drew 1-1 with Watford in August.

"We have had his son in," Cullen added.

"With the new investors, Snoop Dogg and Luka Modric, it adds a few more eyes on to the club and with the investment and stuff, there is a bit of a higher expectation now which is a good thing for us."

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BBC Sport asked Wrexham fans which of their players have caught the eye so far this season - and which haven't.

Here are some of the responses we received:

Mike - Best performers have been Max Cleworth, Lewis Brunt and George Dobson. Only Conor Coady has been awful. Everyone is doing fine but maybe suffering from signing late or not having a pre-season. It's coming together nicely now though.

Frank - MVP is [manager] Phil Parkinson. To draw vs Leicester and Birmingham and beat Norwich, who all have bigger budgets, before all of our new players and Oliver Rathbone are healthy at the same time is impressive. Issa Kabore causes the biggest problem for the man marking him. With three goals, two assists and tied for most minutes played, Lewis O'Brien leads in goal contributions.

Jon - Lewis O'Brien, Kieffer Moore and Issa Kabore have impressed and obviously lifted the team. They seem comfortable at this level and arrived playing well. Through injury I am disappointed by Liberato Cacace and I'm really under-impressed by Conor Coady and Nathan Broadhead. The price tag brings pressure but he's not even making the starting line-up. I want to see these players perform and take their chance but they haven't so far.

Andy - Issa Kabore by a mile! Lad's an absolutely fantastic player and we're lucky to have him for the year.

Karl - It's been a tough baptism early doors, however I think we as a team are coming to terms with what's needed to survive and to compete in the Championship. Some players have adapted well, a couple maybe just off the mark, but it was always going to be tough.

Wrexham went into the penultimate international break of the year in 18th place having taken 10 points from the first 27 on offer in the Championship.

But which player or players do you think have been the best performers under Phil Parkinson so far this season? And who do you think needs to improve?

Have your say here

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Boss Phil Parkinson says Wrexham will play internal 11-a-side games in the international break to help players return to and remain at peak match fitness.

The Red Dragons went into the break on the back of playing three Championship matches in just seven days, with Kieffer Moore and Nathan Broadhead now set to link up with Wales.

Parkinson hopes a number of players, including Ollie Rathbone and George Thomason, will be available swiftly after the two-week league break following absences through injury.

"We've got to look at these two weeks and have some 11 v 11 game time for Ollie Rathbone, George Thomason and get Libby [Liberato Cacace] as close as we can," he said.

"A few of the boys who have gone through these games will need some rest.

"I don't let the disappointment of drawing (against Birmingham City) affect my thought process on the schedule, because when we come back, we go into it again.

"So I want everybody refreshed and ready to go again.

"They're a great group of lads, I'm really enjoying working with them and we'll get that balance right in the next two weeks."

Wrexham return to action at Stoke City on Saturday, 18 October (15:00 BST).

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George Dobson earned huge praise from boss Phil Parkinson after netting his first goal of the season in Wrexham's 1-1 draw with Birmingham City.

Despite the arrivals of players including Lewis O'Brien, Ben Sheaf and George Thomason during the summer transfer window, Dobson has been a mainstay in his side's midfield, playing every single minute of league action for the Red Dragons.

His early header was cancelled out by Patrick Roberts' second half strike as Wrexham were held to a draw by the Blues, but Parkinson could not hide his delight at the impact made by Dobson in the Championship.

"Dobbo's got such a big heart," said Parkinson.

"He's showed a real determination to show everybody he can play at this level.

"He's had a lot of years in League One and I'm so pleased for him because he's showed great character out on the pitch since day one of the season.

"He closes down, he's pressed and shown real quality on the ball.

"It's great for him to get that moment tonight, I just wish it was the winning moment, but I'm really pleased with Dobbo."

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Wrexham will assess the fitness of forward Josh Windass ahead of Friday's home game against Birmingham City in the Championship.

Windass, 31, came off with an ankle injury in the second half of Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Leicester City.

Manager Phil Parkinson said the former Sheffield Wednesday player had also suffered an ankle issue in last Saturday's home 1-1 draw against Derby County.

"Josh had a whack on the ankle against Derby which was quite a lot of swelling in it," Parkinson said. "We're just assessing tomorrow [Friday].

"We've got other options, but in fairness to him, he put himself right up there to play on Tuesday night.

"That's great for us to see because there's going to be knocks when the games come as fast as they have done.

"Sometimes players have got to get on with it and Josh showed a great example."