By wrecsam am byth
January 11 2004

Denis Smith has admitted today that he has no idea what his side will be when the reds face Chesterfield tomorrow at Saltergate with suspensions and injuries fustrating the Wrexham manager. Wrexham travel to Saltergate with three players definitely out. Steve Thomas is suspended while Lee Jones and Shaun Pejic are injured.

But a bunch of other players are currently receiving treatemnt for various injuries, and Smith’s preparations were not helped by the news that goalkeeper Andy Dibble turned up for training this mornig feeling unwell.

Denis Smith told the Evening Leader - “It’s not looking very good and I’m going to leave it as late as I can,” admitted Smith. “You can say I’ve got quite a few problems!

We’ve got a small squad and you can deal with three or four maximum out - but then you’re down to 16. But this many!”

Here is a list of the players who face a race against time as Smith somehow attempts to figure out a starting eleven against Chesterfield on Saturday afternoon

Paul Edwards reported a tight hamstring after training yesterday.

Andy Dibble complained of illness when he arrived for training today

Shaun Holmes has a stubbed toe.

Craig Morgan limped out of Tuesday’s behind closed doors friendly with Liverpool with a recurrence of a hamstring injury.

Steve Roberts played against Liverpool but has complained of a bruised hip.

Smith said “We seem to have got hamstring injuries all at once. I’ll leave Paul Edwards until tomorrow but I’d say that Holmes has no chance.

“Morgan has got a better chance of making it than Roberts who is a big doubt''.

“Chris Armstrong is in the squad but, at present, I don’t think he will be starting.”

That means Hector Sam and Chris Llewellyn will continue their partnership in attack tomorrow. With Mark Jones also available, who plays in attack is the least of Smith’s problems. “It is the left wing back position that is the problem with Shaun and Paul doubtful,” Smith conceded.

''Normally I could move Carlos across but Steve Thomas fills in for him and he is suspended.”

But at this current stage Denis Smith is not contemplating reverting to a flat back four, especially with his left sided centreback Roberts looking likely to miss out.

Instead, number 2 Jim Whitley could be the answer to Smith’s problems.

Smith said “Jim can play anywhere for me and he’ll fit in somewhere if there are holes. “Simon Spender and Jim McNulty have been called into the squad, along with keeper Danny Evans if Dibbs doesn’t make it, but I can’t really give you a squad.

“The three youngsters are on stand by and I would expect Spender or McNulty, or maybe both, to be on the bench.”

One thing is for sure though for the Red Dragons is that Dennis Lawrence & Brian Carey will both be out in force to prevent Chesterfield from scoring.

“Both have had great seasons and I know that I can rely on them,” said Smith. “But there are still a lot of characters available.”