The 18-year-old midfielder had only completed the temporary one-month switch from Swansea City on the day of the game and he opened the scoring for Wrexham.

And Saunders is glad to have secured the services of Allen who has been restricted to just one appearance this term at the Championship outfit.

"Joe showed he has a bit of class. He has been taught well," said Saunders. "I would just like thank Huw Jenkins (chairman) and Roberto Martinez (manager) for letting us have him.

"They were the first to help when I asked and he has shown what a good player he is, and he helped all the others.

"Young Andy Fleming showed loads of endeavour and he will learn off Joe.

"Joe plays two touch when he has to and does not give the ball away. Even if he never played a game for us he would improve the players in training."

In the absence of a game this weekend, Saunders hopes the players make the most of their time on the training ground.

"The game is off on Saturday so we have got a week's training in front of us which is all planned out, and hopefully by the start of next week we have got a few players in better shape," added Saunders.

"Players who have been drifting and not really starting games, losing a bit of edge mentally and physically, I would like to think all of them are thinking, 'I have got to get in that team because it looks nice to play in'."

Wrexham are waiting to hear if Saunders will be punished after being sent to the stands in the closing stages of Tuesday's win for interfering with play.

Saunders left the technical area to kick the ball back after Marc Williams scored in injury time, and the matter will be dealt with by the Welsh FA.

Meanwhile, another product of the Swansea youth system, Chad Bond, also played in Wrexham's friendly clash with Stockport yesterday which Wrexam lost 1-0.

Striker Bond, 21, will train with the Reds for two weeks.

- Let's build up the atmosphere – countdown to Wales' two big matches – pages 54 and 55