The 20-year-old midfielder, released by Scottish League side Clyde at the end of last season, impressed manager Brian Little enough on trial during pre-season to be offered a short term deal until the end of August.

Smith responded by scoring the fourth goal as a second half substitute in Wrexham's opening day 5-0 victory against Stevenage Borough.

Levi Mackin was shown two yellow cards in that win and serves a one-match ban at York, allowing Smith to line up in the centre of midfield.

And Smith has been delighted with the start to his Racecourse career.

"I was not really expecting to be on the bench against Stevenage," said Smith today.

"I have just come in here and that was a big plus for me, but I have worked hard. I could not have asked for more and I was happy to score a goal.

"I just tried my best when I got on and scoring was the icing on the cake.

"It is unfortunate for Levi because he played well and the referee did not have the best of days.

"I would be delighted to start at York."

Smith scored from a corner, one of three goals that Wrexham converted from set-pieces to help see off Stevenage.

The former Port Vale man believes York, one of the teams tipped to be challenging for promotion, will be tough opponents but hopes Wrexham can add to their points tally.

"We have practiced set-pieces and that hard work paid off," added Smith. "You could not imagine that result. We wanted to win the first game but to win 5-0 was unbelievable. Everyone is buzzing but the hard work starts now.

"As long as we finish with a clean sheet tonight, we will get at least a point. It will be a harder game but hopefully we get another win."

And Smith hopes to extend his stay with Wrexham and earn a longer contract: "It has been great here," he added. "I will just keep working hard and play the best I can, and help keep the fans smiling.

"But I would definitely like to stay longer."

Little admitted he was hardly going to make wholesale changes after Wrexham's dream start to the campaign, but in the enforced absence of Mackin, he said Smith was the natural replacement.

"Christian will play and Neil Taylor will be on the bench," said Little, who is also still without suspended summer signing Kyle Critchell.

"We won Saturday and I don't want to change it too much. It would be very difficult to say to players in the changing room that although we won 5-0, you are not in the team against York. You can't do that.

"Christian needs to play. He did well on Saturday and Neil gives us an extra option for the left.

"The team virtually picks itself and I don't think anyone expected me to change anything."

Taylor was part of a Wrexham side, made up of players who did not feature against Stevenage, which beat Everton under 21s 3-0 in a practice match on Tuesday with Wes Baynes converting a hat-trick for the Reds.

And with Marc Williams also making a goal scoring substitute appearance against Stevenage last week, Little is pleased with the competition for places.

"Everton had a young side and it was a great work-out," said Little. "It was a better exercise than being at Colliers Park on their own. As a group it was more beneficial and we are just keeping everyone right.

"Wes was in the group – a substitute – against Stevenage anyway and he did very well on Tuesday.

"Scoring three goals was fantastic for him, but he does not have to score three goals to remind me what he can do. And it was good for Neil to get 90 minutes so he is back in contention.

"Wes, Neil and Marc have all shown they are ready to play and that's great."

Wrexham are back on the road on Sunday when they make the trip to Rushden and Diamonds.

Little acknowledged that a number of teams in the Blue Square Premier had outstanding home records last term and that the double header against much fancied York and Rushden would be good tests.

"A lot of teams had very good home records last season in this division," added Little. "Oxford were favourites at Barrow who are part-time and they lost 3-0 on Friday.

"Going to York will be difficult. They had a terrific pre-season and won away on Saturday, so it will be a good test for us. We have a run of away games against teams who are fancied and they won't be easy.

"York and Rushden have shown they want to be competitive and they are big games for us."

WREXHAM: Ward, Spender, Kempson, Nat Brown, Tremarco, Simon Brown, Kearney, Christian Smith, Aiston, Louis, Whalley, Taylor, Steve Evans, Baynes, Marc Williams, Anthony Williams.

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