DAVID RAVEN insists he has not been frustrated by a lack of game time but he can't wait to be back in the Wrexham side this weekend.

The experienced full-back joined the Reds in January on a deal that runs till the end of the season after leaving Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Named among the substitutes for the derby against Tranmere Rovers the day his signing was announced, Raven was handed an earlier than expected debut as he came on for injured left-back James Jennings after just seven minutes.

Raven hasn't featured since despite being on the bench every game but the 32-year-old says it hasn't been an issue with Wrexham challenging for promotion and he has been happy to bide his time.

"The lads have been doing great, clean sheets and defending well," said Raven.

"It has not been that frustrating to be honest. Of course I want to play but when you see the boys doing as well as they are, you are on board and supporting them, it is good to see.

"And when you get your chance, hopefully you take it."

Raven is set to make his first Wrexham start against Ebbsfleet United at Stonebridge Road on Saturday with Jennings serving a one-match ban after picking up a 10th yellow card in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Aldershot Town.

Short of minutes since the turn of the year, Raven is relishing a return to action.

"I have come in mid-season and it is always hard as a defender anyway to get your slot," said Raven.

"For me the toughest thing is trying to stay as fit as I can because you do lose that match fitness and getting that back up will be difficult.

"It is a case of staying as fit as you can by training. Obviously it is not the same but I have got enough miles in my legs hopefully to get me through 90 minutes.

"I am sure I will be fine, I have played once in two months so I am really looking forward to it."

Raven earned rave reviews for his performance in the 2-2 draw against Tranmere but the defender was modest about his contribution.

"I enjoyed that day," said Raven. "I showed I can play at left-back as well as right-back and centre-back.

"I don't think I did anything special to be honest.

"It was a tough game and it was a case of defend well, get the ball, give it and keep it simple which is what I am about."

Raven would like a run in the side but he will take it on the chin if Jennings earns an immediate recall.

"I just go with the flow these days," said Raven.

"When I am called upon I will play and I will play as long as I can, stay in the team as long as I can.

"These things are out of my control so I just crack on."

Wrexham head to Ebbsfleet unbeaten in 12 games, although nine have ended in draws, with the sixth placed Reds eight points behind leaders Macclesfield Town.

Raven says Wrexham need to take games "by the scruff of the neck" to turn draws into wins, even if there is the risk of losing.

"Wins are important now," said Raven. "You might as well lose a game here and there by trying to win it.

"Get more wins under your belt going for the throat, going for jugular, I think that has got to be our approach really to just try and beat these teams now.

"There are 10 games left and it is still there for us to go and get promoted, just take things by the scruff of the neck."