SAM RICKETTS has allayed fears some of his missing players face lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Captain Shaun Pearson, defender Kevin Roberts, and goalkeepers Christian Dibble and Rob Lainton, picked up knocks during the pre-season tour of Portugal and weren't risked in Tuesday's 2-2 draw against Bangor City.

But Ricketts says the quartet are close to a return.

"Pre-season is all about getting your fitness whilst not getting your injuries," said Ricketts.

"We had a few niggles while we were out in Portugal, they are nearly all back now.

"It is just making sure that we don't pick up any more whilst we went into what was the first of four games before the first game of the season."

Midfielder Akil Wright limped off with a thigh injury but Ricketts added: "I think Akil is fine, he just had cramp in his thigh.

"That is the early prognosis so hopefully it is nothing serious and it was just a bit of fatigue in his thigh."

Ricketts bolstered his numbers by fielding a number of trialists and youth team players at Bangor as Wrexham maintained their unbeaten pre-season record, and he felt there lots of positives to take out of the contest,

"It was a little more to what we are going to face at times than what we have played previously, it wasn't just us dominating the ball or the opposition dominating the ball," said Ricketts.

"It was a little bit rough and tumble, a few challenges, a good game and some really good bits of play in it.

"We are still working on other aspects of it but some really positive signs coming out of the game.

"There was a bit of a competitive edge to it. I think Bangor really wanted to win the game.

"We were making changes and we made them early whereas they were leaving their lads on longer, they may be further long fitness-wise than us.

"But four youth team lads came on and did really well for us so it was a good all-round night."

Chris Holroyd gave Wrexham a first half led but Bangor quickly levelled from the penalty spot and the hosts took the lead after the break.

But Wrexham striker Mike Fondop equalised with his third goal in as many games in the closing minutes to earn a draw, and Ricketts felt his attacking players were effective.

"The front three in both halves were good, they were a threat, especially first half," said Ricketts.

"Combined well and we probably had more touches in the opposition's box in the first half than we had in our previous games which is really encouraging.

"Some really good bits and it is always nice for the forwards to be scoring goals."

Yalany Baio was sent off in the second half after throwing the ball at Leo Smith but Ricketts immediately asked Bangor to put on a replacement because he wanted to even up the numbers.

"To be fair their player came up and apologised after the game," added Ricketts.

"I said to him if you are ever going to get sent off, get sent off for a tackle not for throwing the ball in someone's face!

"I went down and made sure they put another player on because it is no good to me playing against 10 men in pre-season."