JJ HOOPER has hit back at suggestions he refused to play for Wrexham but admits he has got to make up for lost time after returning to action.

The striker picked up an ankle injury in the 2-1 defeat at Dagenham and Redbridge on October 26 and finally made his comeback in Saturday's 4-0 FA Trophy first round loss against Halifax Town at The Shay.

Dean Keates revealed that scans and x-rays had given Hooper the all-clear in recent weeks, although the Reds boss admits the 26-year-old never opted not to play.

That is seconded by Hooper who said: "I would never refuse to play.

"Not for any club, especially a club like Wrexham. The fans have shown so much love since I have been here.

"I don't know where the rumours have come from but that is how it goes. I just wasn't fit.

"Now I am fit, I can look forward. I am ready now and time to kick-on."

Hooper admits he didn't expect to be on the sidelines for so long and says he is "managing" the injury.

"It has been a frustrating period for me being out with the injury," said Hooper.

"I had a bit of bone bruising and it wasn't really settling. I have still got it now but I am just managing it and playing through it.

"I have got to look forward now and I am happy to be back.

"Injuries are part of the game but that is in the past.

"I just want to concentrate on getting back out there, getting goals and helping the team with the situation we are in."

Hooper, also ruled out for a month earlier in the season with a hip injury, knows he has still got a point to prove.

"I just need to make up for lost time," said Hooper, who has scored three goals in 12 appearances this season.

"I have been out for quite a long period which has been frustrating but I will just try and help the team as much as I can now.

"I want to prove a point to myself. I want to score goals for the team and set up goals so I have definitely got a point to prove."

Keates used the Trophy tie as an opportunity to rest his regulars as fringe players and youth teamers started against Halifax.

The Shaymen led 1-0 at the break and doubled their advantage at the start of the second half before Hooper saw a penalty saved after he was upended in the area, and the hosts went on to complete a comfortable win.

"It was good to get back out there but it was very disappointing I missed a penalty, I want to score goals," said Hooper.

"I thought we played well up to the second half. Their experience showed and they over-ran us, but it was a good test for us.

"I felt good and I wanted to stay out there as long as I could.

"The gaffer decided to take me off after 60 minutes but I got valuable minutes under my belt and hopefully I can help the team now."

Hooper is looking forward to helping Wrexham, who have won their last two league games, in the fight against relegation.

"We have had two good results in the league, winning 2-0 and clean sheets in both games," added Hooper. "Hopefully I can help the team now."

Keates was happy to give Hooper a longer than expected run-out but was disappointed Wrexham missed their third penalty in a row.

“We have got a problem with penalties at the minute," added Keates.

“I was going to take him off at half-time but he asked for another 15 minutes.

“He wanted to stay on so he stayed on and I was hoping he got a goal, it would have been great for him if he could.

“He stepped up and he didn’t really connect with it great if I am honest.

“If he scores that it gives us more of a chance."