WALES CALL-UPSJUST THE JOB FOR CAREY
Phil Blanche - Western Mail

WREXHAM manager Brian Carey will wave goodbye to four of his players tonight - but he couldn't be happier.

Four members of the Dragons squad will head off on international duty after today's League Two game with Morecambe - Steve Evans and Mark Jones joining John Toshack's Wales squad, while Mike Williams and Michael Carvill will be with the Wales and Northern Ireland Under-21 parties - leaving Carey with depleted numbers in training next week.

But Carey said, "It's a great honour for the lads and it reflects well on Wrexham as well.

"We don't have a game next week so it will be good for all concerned if they get some extra match time while they are away, particularly Steve, who hasn't figured for us just yet.

"As a manager, you're always concerned that they might pick up an injury, but that could as easily happen here.

"Looking further ahead, international calls could see us falling behind with our league programme, which is not what we want.

"But, as far as next week is concerned, they go off with our blessing. The last thing we want is to deny them an opportunity to represent their countries."

League newcomers Morecambe, managed by former Northern Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy, have been buoyed by a midweek Carling Cup triumph at Preston and the reward of a second-round trip to Wolves.

But the Dragons also hit the Carling Cup jackpot after beating Port Vale on penalties, landing a home draw with Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa the week after next.

Now Carey wants his players to establish a fortress mentality at the Racecourse this season and capitalise on renewed public interest in the club's fortunes.

"The support we had here towards the end of last season and the following we've had in the first two away games has been terrific," he said.

"That shows how keen the fans are for some success. Everything we are doing here is geared to taking Wrexham onwards and upwards because that is what the game is all about.

"It's at home that we need to build the firmest foundations for any future success that will come our way, so we need to start against Morecambe.

"Looking at it now, I'll settle for a win and three points and worry about the quality of the performance afterwards. But hopefully the two will go hand in hand from the very beginning."

Only midfielder Matty Crowell and Juan Ugarte are ruled out for the Dragons, with Evans, Mark Jones, Eifion Williams and Danny Williams available again.

"The situation is looking very healthy, it's been a good week," added Carey. "We got a great result at Port Vale after we had to make a few changes and the players who came on late in the game made just as much an impact as the starting XI.

"I've some tough decisions to make for the Morecambe game, but that's a great situation to be in."

Morecambe are without broken leg victim Fraser McLachlan - the one sour note from the 2-1 win at Deepdale - and striker Michael Twiss is doubtful.

CONALL TAKING NOTHING FOR GRANTED
Wrexham Evening Leader

CONALL MURTAGH will be unfazed if he does not feature against Morecambe at The Racecourse tomorrow.

The 22-year-old, once on the books of Heart of Midlothian, joined Wrexham from Welsh Premier League outfit Rhyl earlier in the summer and made his competitive debut for the Reds as a substitute in Tuesday's Carling Cup first round win on penalties at Port Vale.

Manager Brian Carey has got plenty of options for the visit of League newboys Morecambe, and although Murtagh impressed in the midweek cup win, he is not assuming he will be part of the Irishman's plans tomorrow (August 18).

"We will have to see about the injuries but all I can do is my best and continue to work hard in training," said Murtagh today.

"Whatever team the gaffer picks is what he thinks is the best.

"If I start I will be over the moon but if not, I will not be too disappointed. As a player, all you can do is keep your head down and see what the manager does.

"It would be class to play on The Racecourse and be part of it again. But I am just taking it in my stride.

"I think I have adapted well at Wrexham but being full-time before has helped. I am enjoying it here."

Murtagh was introduced as a substitute at ValePark in injury time and he went on to play the 30 minutes of extra-time that Wrexham dominated.

Although not classing himself as a penalty taker, Murtagh stepped up to convert Wrexham's third spot-kick as the Reds' triumphed 5-3 in the shoot-out having been locked at 1-1 after extra-time with Vale.

And Murtagh admitted it was a night to remember: "I was happy with my debut and thought I did okay," he added. "I really enjoyed it. The lads were doing really well and it was nice to get on.

"I thought we should have won it in extra-time but I was buzzing after the game. It was a great feeling after Chris scored the final penalty, especially with beating a team from a higher division.

"I really felt part of it when everyone was jumping around when we won, having played some of the game and scored a penalty.

"I volunteered for the penalty. I don't normally take them or practice them but I wanted to stand up and be counted. I just stepped up and was confident, and it went in.

"I was well chuffed we won and I did not sleep for hours. It was really exciting and a real change going from the Welsh Premier League to beating Port Vale in the Carling Cup.

"It was a great start to my Wrexham career. I hope we can kick on in the league and get as high up the table as possible."