Summer signing Critchell, who joined Wrexham in the summer on a two-year contract from Blue Square Premier rivals Weymouth, has missed the opening three games of the season through suspension.

The former Wales under 21 international was sent off for retaliating to a challenge in Weymouth's last game of the previous campaign.

Critchell, a full-back who can also operate in midfield, will be available for Thursday's televised match against Oxford United at The Racecourse and hopes to make his competitive bow for Wrexham sooner rather than later.

"I would like to come back in on Thursday but it is not as easy as that, and I don't know what position the gaffer would want me to play," said Critchell today.

"I train hard and I play hard, and hopefully I have the chance to prove myself here. Hopefully I will play but it is up to the gaffer.

"But the lads got a good result at Rushden and Diamonds on Sunday and if I am being honest, I don't think I will go straight back in.

"That was a good point against a team that has spent a lot of money.

"It is just a case of biding my time and if I get the chance, take it with both hands."

Despite missing Wrexham's league matches, Critchell has featured in behind closed door practice matches as well as pre-season friendlies, and he admits that with competition for places rife in the Wrexham squad, he will have to take his chance when it comes.

"I've just kept training hard and I have also played a few games in the reserves where the gaffer has used me in different roles," said Critchell.

"When I get a chance I just have to take it. That's the gaffer's view when lads on the side get in.

"If players in the team are not doing it, other people will get their chance.

"That's why we have got a big squad.

"And you need to have a big squad because it is a very physical, demanding league."

Critchell admits it has been frustrating being sidelined for the opening matches after signing for a new club.

But the 21-year-old said Wrexham's start to the season, where four points have been taken from a possible nine, has made it more bearable.

"It has been very frustrating," said Critchell. "I have just had to put it to the back of my mind.

"With the lads doing reasonably well in the first three games of the season it has not been too upsetting. If we had a bad start, it would have been more difficult.

"I am looking forward to playing again – I really want to get out there.

"Every footballer wants to be playing and not sitting on the bench or in the stand."

Wrexham opened the season with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over much fancied Stevenage Borough before losing at York CIty, another side expected to be challenging for promotion.

The tough start to the campaign continued at big spending Rushden and Diamonds and after having the better of the play, Wrexham fell behind and needed a Shaun Whalley goal to rescue a point.

But Critchell believes Wrexham can take heart from the result: "The first game was a pleasure for everyone – fans, players and staff –- at Wrexham," he added.

"It was great for the fans after all the misery last season.

"It showed we can mix it with the best, but we have to do that week in, week out. You have to be consistent.

"If we do I am sure we will be in the top six at the end of the season.

"People think maybe we should have beaten Rushden but they have spent a lot of money and are one of the favourites.

"It's a very tight league and about ten teams will be going for promotion.

"The Rushden result will hopefully stand us in good stead. We have proved we can go away to the better sides and get results."

Simon Spender has occupied the right back role for Wrexham this term and he was pleased to see the Reds produce a better display in the 1-1 draw at Rushden than they had in the defeat at York 72 hours previously.

"It was a better performance than at York and our first point away from home so we will take that," said Spender. "We just need to build on that now.

"We had a few chances unlike at York where we didn't have many.

"There were some good chances that we should have scored so we were a bit unlucky not to take three points.

"It's taken us the first few games to get into season. We are just figuring out teams at the moment and I think it is going well so far."

- Chester City were last night given permission to speak to striker Michael Proctor.

The 27-year-old has not featured in The Reds starting line-up this season, and the club have told the player he can leave.

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.