Barnett hopes to return against Shrewsbury

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

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

"I've been back in light training, and it's up to the manager to decide whether I'm ready or not," said 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 started his career with Shrewsbury and is looking forward to facing them again after playing against them in a 1-0 win in the FA Cup last season.

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

"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 are currently third in League One, and will go top if they beat Shrewsbury.

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 between now and the end of the season.

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

"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 towards the end of the season. I'm looking forward to it."