DEAN KEATES is expected to ring the changes for tomorrow's clash with St Mirren Colts at The Racecourse but Adam Barton would love to keep his place in the side.

Barton has found chances limited since joining Wrexham from Dundee United in the summer but the midfielder has started the last two games.

Although Keates will rest players for the Scottish Challenge Cup fourth round tie, Barton believes he and Wrexham will see the benefits of him having a run of matches.

"It is a good sign starting two games on the bounce for me personally," said Barton.

"The lads who aren't getting much game-time tend to be playing in these cups but I would rather keep playing.

"I have been in the team for the second game running which I haven't done yet this season and it is momentum.

"I think it takes about four or five games to get up to your full momentum so if I play against St Mirren, I will be more than happy."

Barton, used as a centre-back at Woking on Saturday for Brian Flynn's final game as interim manager, was at the base of the midfield diamond as incoming boss Keates tried out a new system for the midweek home clash with Harrogate Town which also ended 1-1.

It was a role that Barton felt suited him despite only experimenting with the formation in one training session following Keates' appointment as manager.

"The manager didn't have long when he came in to stamp his philosophy much on the game because we only had one training session but he made it very clear to the lads what he wanted," said Barton.

"I have never worked with him personally but all I have heard is good things. I was impressed with his first day and it is something we needed as a club.

"He gave me a lot of information before the game, that is what every player likes to hear.

"You know what they want from each individual so to come in and do that in one session, I was very happy.

"To go back into holding midfield, it was a different game to what I am used to in terms of getting on the ball and making things happen.

"But Tuesday was a bit the opposite trying to win the second balls and stuff like that.

"I thought we did well at some points with that, especially a new shape as well, so positive signs."

Wrexham led 1-0 through Bobby Grant's early goal but the striker missed a second half penalty and Harrogate scored a late equaliser.

But Barton felt there were a lot of good signs despite failing to register a much needed win.

"To be fair to Bobby he has put his hand up," said Barton. "It was probably game over if that goes in.

"But we have to take positives from the game, especially with a new manager coming in and playing a new system, and going out with just one training session in us under the new management.

"And against a good solid team who are doing well so it has got to be positives.

"We are gutted that we could not keep that clean sheet. That is something we need to scrub up on."

One of Barton’s five starts for Wrexham this season came in the Scottish Challenge Cup third round win over Ayr United with Jake Lawlor scoring the winning spot-kick in a 6-5 penalty shoot-out win after drawing 1-1.

Tomorrow’s match against St Mirren under 21s will also have to be decided on the day as both teams target a place in the quarter-finals.