DEAN SAUNDERS believes his players fear missing games through injury or suspension because they know they may not get back in the Wrexham side.
Wrexham go into tomorrow’s clash against Eastbourne Borough at Priory Lane (3pm) on the back of a four game unbeaten run that has produced ten points from a possible 12.
The latest victory came on Tuesday when Wrexham beat highflying Mansfield Town 2-1 at The Racecourse courtesy of goals from Wes Baynes and Andy Mangan.
A number of players declared themselves fit despite being troubled with illness or slight knocks such was their eagerness to feature for resurgent Wrexham, and Saunders said they know what is at stake if they miss out.
“Players need to stay in the team. Don’t get injured because you might not get back in,” said Saunders.
“Wes was under the weather on Tuesday and I think this was in the back on his mind. It was the same with Jamie McCluskey whose hamstring was tight.
“They wanted to play because looking around, they thought if someone jumps in and stars it might be four or five games before I am back in if we keep playing the way we have.”
Wrexham reserves defeated their Tranmere Rovers counterparts 4-1 in midweek and that has given Saunders more food for thought.
“It was a terrific performance by the reserves, I want them to do really well,” said Saunders. “People are pushing for places which is all they can do.
“Neil Taylor and Sam Williamson got 90 minutes under their belt, and Matty Wolfenden and Obi Anoruo got a bit of a reward with some goals.”
The unbeaten start to 2010 has seen Wrexham climb up to 12th position, 11 points behind Kettering Town who occupy the final play-off berth, although the Reds have played two games less.
While Wrexham have emerged through their recent spell against teams higher in the table without defeat, they face a different proposition tomorrow in the shape of Eastbourne who are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.
And while he is buoyed by recent results, Saunders is not getting carried away and won’t be taking Eastbourne for granted.
“The fans have been right behind us and I think everyone can sense a bit of optimism,” said Saunders.
“I am not getting carried away, we are still playing catch-up but we can do it if we keep playing the way we have. We won’t if we drop behind the standards we have set.
“We have got to show the same attitude and determination tomorrow. We can’t underestimate anyone.
“We need to be hard to play against, which we are, and when the chances come they go in.
“We have still got faults in our game that I know we need to build on. But we are on a run and we need to keep it going. If we can win the next three matches, we will be back in it.”
Saunders was pleased with the character shown by his players after conceding an equaliser against Mansfield.
And with Wrexham starting to find the back of the net with more regularity than they were in the first half of the season, Saunders is hoping the goals continue to flow.
“It was disappointing to concede a goal just after half-time but we came back strong,” added Saunders. “I am pleased we got three points against a strong team.
“I have said all along there is not a lot wrong with our football but that is five goals in two games and I am pleased about that.
“And we have not conceded a goal in open play since we lost to York on December 5.”
Midfielder Christian Smith, harshly sent off against Mansfield Town after picking up a second yellow card, begins a two-match ban because it was his second dismissal of the season. Mark Jones or Nathan Fairhurst are set to replace Smith.
Wingers Holden and McCluskey (both hamstring) trained yesterday along with striker Lamine Sakho (groin) while Saunders hopes leading scorer Gareth Taylor (ankle) will be available in another week.
But defender Frank Sinclair (thigh) faces at least a month on the sidelines.