BRETT ORMEROD is winning his fitness battle but the striker won’t risk returning to action too soon.
The 36-year-old picked up a hamstring problem in training two days before Wrexham’s clash at Braintree Town on October 27 which was eventually postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
After making his return to training yesterday, Ormerod could be available for Saturday’s game against Gateshead at The Racecourse but the former Blackpool and Southampton frontman remains cautious.
“It was a big day for me and I am feeling good,” said Ormerod. “I did a two hour training session with the lads, we did possession and all sorts of things to test my hamstring out and - touch wood - I’ve come through it alright so I am really pleased.
“Hopefully I get a good rest today and try to have a good go tomorrow but I am just going to take it one day at a time.
“I don’t want to rush it but I felt really good, apart from the lungs were blowing a bit which is to be expected but the hamstring seems okay.
“It is up to the manager but as I said, I am just taking it one day at a time and am not looking any further than that.
“If I am ready that would be great but if I am not, I don’t want to force it so we will see how it feels.”
After failing to score in the opening 15 league games of the season, Ormerod grabbed his first Wrexham goal in the 2-0 victory over Southport in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie on October 20 - his last match.
Ormerod, who has missed the last three games, admitted it was a huge blow being sidelined and is looking forward to playing again.
“It is obviously the most frustrating time to pick up an injury after finally getting a goal,” said Ormerod.
“But I’d been feeling good in training before my injury and I enjoyed it yesterday, I think the adrenaline got me through it a bit.
“I am really pleased, it is three weeks I have been in that gym and it gets a bit depressing sometimes.
“Just to get out with the lads, and playing football, it is a big day. I’ve come through it so hopefully I can push on now.”
Wrexham go into the game against Gateshead on the back of a disappointing 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Hereford United on Saturday.
And while Wrexham struggled to break down the Bulls, Ormerod feels the Reds will be rewarded for their style of play.
“I thought we tried to play all the football and we controlled the game,” said Ormerod.
“You have to give Hereford credit because they came with a plan and it worked for them. They sat back and scored off two set-pieces which is disappointing from us.
“We want to try and play a certain way, we want to try and pass the ball and win but also try to entertain the fans as well.
“We are not going to change how we are. Playing like we did on Saturday, I am still confident we will win more than we lose.
“There are just one or two things we need to tighten up on but every team can say that.”
Wrexham remain four points behind leaders Newport who were beaten by Alfreton 24 hours earlier and Ormerod is looking for more consistency from the Reds.
“It’s going to be a tight league, I don’t think anyone is going to run away with it,” added Ormerod.
“We had a great win at Southport in midweek and results went for us but everything seemed to go against us on Saturday, that is this league.
“Consistency is the key. We are well positioned without really firing on all cylinders and I believe there is a lot to come from us.
“I’d like to think we can hit that purple patch and put a few wins together.”