KYLE BARKER hopes to make an immediate impression and force his way into Dean Keates' plans for Saturday's trip to Bromley.

The 19-year-old defensive midfielder has joined Wrexham on loan from Peterborough United until the end of the season and trained with his new team-mates for the first time yesterday.

Although being handed a starting place at Hayes Lane would be the dream start to his 12-game stint at The Racecourse, Barker accepts he might have to bide his time.

But when he gets his chance, Barker is determined to keep his place in the team.

"The first impressions are really good," said Barker. "It is a nice set-up.

"The lads have been very welcoming so I am just looking forward to getting out on the grass and showing what I can bring.

"It would be brilliant to start on Saturday but because I am new and I am only going to have a couple of training sessions before it, it will be completely understandable if I don't start.

"Twelve games is a lot of games and it is all about trying to work my way into the team and if I do get my place, I have got to try and keep it."

Barker, who came through the youth ranks at Peterborough and signed his first professional contract last March, is yet to feature in League One for the high-flying Posh, managed by former Wrexham captain Darren Ferguson, but has made four senior cup appearances this term.

The opportunity to play first-team football with the Reds was too good to turn down.

"We spoke at Peterborough and we thought this was definitely the best move for me, to get game-time and play men's football," said Barker.

"This year hasn't quite worked out with getting playing time so this is definitely the right time to come and do it, and try and crack on."

But although Barker has come to Wrexham to get minutes, helping the 19th placed Reds, currently two points above the National League relegation zone, stay up is the priority.

"The main thing is to help to keep the club where it should be," said Barker.

"Then hopefully next year, Wrexham can kick-on and get to where they should be in League Two.

"I want to play games but I want to do my part in the team and try and help the boys stay up."

Keates won back-to-back promotions with Peterborough during Ferguson's first spell in charge at London Road and the Posh boss spoke highly of the former midfielder.

"A lot of people have told me that he is a good guy and a good manager," added Barker.

"The gaffer at Peterborough spoke very highly of him.

"When I came in to speak to him, he was really nice so I am looking forward to playing for him."