That is the view of centre-back Steve Evans going into tonight's pre-season friendly against League One outfit Crewe Alexandra at The Racecourse (7.30pm).

Little has fielded two different sides in Wrexham's four close season friendlies, two of which have been played behind closed doors, and the Reds have only conceded one goal.

Having brought in Nat Brown and Darran Kempson, Little is not short of cover in the centre-back position and Wales international Evans admits that everyone is hoping to show they are worthy of a place in the side when the new Blue Square Premier season begins.

"Everyone has been doing well and working hard, not just the defenders, the whole team," said Evans today.

"Defending starts from the front to the back and it has gone okay.

"From a defender's point of view it is nice to keep clean sheets and I'm sure it has given the gaffer a few headaches.

"There are six of us centre-backs and obviously everyone wants to play.

"It is up to us to prove to the gaffer that we are good enough to be in the team."

A total of seven new recruits have been brought in by Little and Evans said spirits are high in the camp.

Wrexham begin the new season at home to much fancied Stevenage Borough next month and Evans is determined to help the Reds mount a promotion challenge.

"Results don't mean anything in pre-season," added Evans. "It is just a case of building up fitness levels for August 9.

"The spirit in the camp is great and there is a good attitude amongst the players. We are just looking forward to the start of the season.

"It is a big season for us and I can't wait.

"We are all raring to go and just want to get out there. We want to put right what happened last season and get Wrexham promotion."

As he has done throughout pre-season, Little will once again give all his fit players a run-out against Crewe tonight.

But a number of players have picked up knocks and may not be risked.

The fitness of Kyle Critchell, Wes Baynes, Jefferson Louis, Chris Maxwell, Neil Taylor, Simon Brown and Silvio Spann will be assessed but Little will give as many players as possible a run out.

"We are not changing from that yet," said Little. "There are things we want to do otherwise but I think it is better for now keeping everyone on their toes.

"Everyone is trying to get in that first team and that is healthy.

"There are a few niggles which we won't risk. We can't afford them to play and then be out for two or three weeks."

Winger Shaun Whalley, who has not yet featured since joining from Accrington Stanley after picking up an ankle injury, trained yesterday and could feature tonight: "It is good for Shaun that he trained yesterday," said Little.

"Shaun has worked hard with Mel Pejic but a game is more tiring.

"It is different coming up against opposition - it is a lot more hard work to running - and we'll see if Shaun will play."

Also in contention is trialist frontman Adam Smith who spent yesterday training at Colliers Park: "Adam is more of a forward player who is quick and can play wide like Shaun Whalley, he could play tonight," said Little.

"He was at Chesterfield last season and on trial with Darlington last week.

"We will have to see where we go to with this and play it by ear."

Little has seen Wrexham beat Wolves 1-0 and draw with Blackpool 0-0 in the previous two pre-season friendlies at The Racecourse.

Although delighted to come through unbeaten against two sides from the Championship, it is the manner of the performances that has pleased Little.

"After the first ten minutes we more than matched Blackpool," added Little. "We got stronger and had the better chances.

"Results are not everything in pre-season but it is going well so far.

"It is nice not to concede and that makes a big difference to any season.

"We've also looked different going forward. It is a different approach - we break more quickly and that 's good.

"When we have got the ball I want us to be more adventurous."

Supporters are reminded that only The Mold Road Stand is open for Wrexham fans tonight. Admission costs £7 for adults and £3 concessions.

Ask Brian

If you have a question for Brian Little email it to digitalnews@nwn.co.uk and we'll ask as many as we can during our next video interview with the Reds boss this Thursday.