The 32-year-old centre-back – without a club since being released at the end of last season by Stevenage Borough – has joined Wrexham on a short-term deal until January.

And Westwood played a starring role on his first appearance for the club as Wrexham ran out 2-1 winners against Mansfield Town at Field Mill on Saturday.

Delighted with the start he has made, Westwood wants to keep performing well when the 'honeymoon' period comes to an end.

"I was definitely pleased with my performance, and it helps winning.
"If you make a mistake no-one remembers it if you win – but if you lose they do.

"Results go hand-in-hand with performances, and on a personal note I was pleased.

"The first couple of games, you come in and are on a high.

"The real test is after three or four matches when you have to keep it going. That is when the real players kick on and their consistency shows."

Wrexham have won all three matches under new manager Dean Saunders and Westwood is backing the former Wales international striker to prevent his players from getting too carried away with their recent good run.

"That's three wins in three games and you can't get better than that," said Westwood.

"After about three or four matches that is when it starts to become more of a test.

"You have to keep the momentum going and not get complacent.

"That is the key. The manager has a good reputation and is keeping everyone on their toes, and won't allow that to happen.

"We have to be careful and make sure it doesn't."

The much travelled Westwood is a former team-mate of Saunders from their time together at Bradford City.

And Westwood, who had seen a number of trials at other clubs come to nothing, was happy to come on trial to Wrexham and prove his fitness.

"I am delighted to be back playing and for a manager who is going places with a lot of ambition," said Westwood.

"I played with the gaffer six or seven years ago and he said he didn't have a problem with my ability.

"The gaffer just wanted to make sure I was fit.

"He was at Blackburn when they signed Dino Baggio who was 30 but when he got there, could not move.

"With that in mind he just wanted to make sure I was still mobile and hadn't got six cruciate injuries!"

Westwood is hoping to earn a longer contract at The Racecourse.

"It is a deal that probably suits the club and I am happy with it," added Westwood.

"It gives me a chance to prove my worth.

"I am looking to extend that by proving my worth and producing the goods."

Wrexham are preparing for Saturday's FA Cup final qualifying round tie against Eastwood Town at The Racecourse with a behind closed doors friendly against Wolves today.

And Saunders, who will give a run-out to squad members who have not featured in the first team in recent weeks, including Darren Kempson and Tom Kearney, admits some players could put themselves in the frame for the visit of the Unibond League Premier Division side.

"It will be a good fitness exercise for the lads who have not played for a while," said Saunders. "It is a chance for me to see them and look at a few things.

"The lads not playing know what is expected of them and there is the opportunity for them to keep others out of the team when they become available again.

"I have got my mind focussed on Saturday. I am not letting our standards drop and we are going into it mentally like we would for a league game.

"Nothing but a win will be acceptable."

One player who won't be involved against Eastwood is on-loan midfielder Joe Allen who has not been given permission to play by parent club Swansea City.

The 18-year-old was also carried off in training yesterday and Wrexham are awaiting news on his ankle injury.

Meanwhile, Saunders has admitted that the ambitious bid to sign former Manchester City winger Kiki Musampa is unlikely to come to anything.

Although he has not ruled out adding to the squad, Saunders admitted that the recent good form of his players has made it unnecessary to bring in more new faces just yet.

"We tried but I don't think anything will happen on that front," added Saunders, regarding the former Dutch under 21 international.

"We are still looking around though and working hard here.

"The players are making it a bit easier for me with the way they are performing.

"They are not doing themselves any harm at the moment."

- Admission for Saturday's cup tie has been reduced to £10 for adults in all three stands, and £5 for concessions. Fans can pay on the gate.

- Buckley and District's meeting tonight at Buckley Cricket Club has been brought forward to a 7.30pm start with Gavin Ward the guest speaker.