DEAN KEATES does not believe Wrexham have missed their best opportunity of reaching the second round of the FA Cup.

The Reds created the best chances at home to Rochdale but failed to score as the game ended in a goalless draw and will now face the League One side in a replay at Spotland tonight.

Although the odds are against Wrexham securing a home tie with Boston United, Keates feels they can still cause a cup upset.

"I've heard it being said that is was a missed opportunity because we were at home and we have now got to go to a club in League One," said Keates.

"Yes, it is going to be a difficult game for us, it was difficult at home, but we go there full of confidence.

"After the game we felt we deserved to be the only name going into the second round.

"We are not and we have got to deal with the job in hand at Rochdale.

"We have got to go there and be confident and be buoyant from the performance we gave.

"The performances had been gradually getting better in the last few games and we don't see any reason why we can't go there and give a great account of ourselves, and get through to the next round."

Keates isn't thinking about a home tie with National League North outfit Boston, where victory could give Wrexham a potential money-spinning third round tie.

"I'd be lying if I didn't know what was happening in the next round," said Keates.

"But it doesn't mean anything if we don't get through.

"You can't look past Rochdale and it is a difficult tie for us."

Keates will welcome back his regulars who were all rested for Saturday's 2-0 Scottish Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat against Rangers Colts.

"What happened at Rangers had to happen in my eyes," said Keates.

"If we had got through or knocked out in the first round, it might have been a different team at Rangers.

"With a replay straight after a long distance travelling, I used it to get minutes into the players on the fringes of the team.

"There are a lot of games coming up over the next month so it was a valuable game for us on that side.

"It was disappointing we got knocked out but all our attention is now fully focussed on Rochdale."