DEAN KEATES believes the versatility in his Wrexham squad gives him flexibility when deciding on his preferred system for the start of the 2020-21 National League campaign.

The Reds continue their build-up to a 13th season in non-league by facing Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough tomorrow in their latest behind closed doors friendly.

Keates, who has 23 players signed up, favoured a 4-4-2 formation in the first three pre-season outings but he is not restricted to one particular shape with the personnel in the ranks.

"The system is something we can look at," said Keates. "The players we have give us options now.

"I have got variations and players that can cover two or three positions so it is almost like I have got two players for every position.

"We are not far off from where we want to be."

Deciding on how many centre-backs to play could have a big say on what system Keates elects to go with for the opening day home match against Boreham Wood on October 3.

Fiacre Kelleher has joined the Reds after leaving Macclesfield and will compete with captain Shaun Pearson, Theo Vassell and Max Cleworth for a place in the heart of defence.

And while first year professional Cleworth might have to bide his time, Keates, who was operating with three centre-halves before the 2019-20 season was suspended abruptly because of the coronavirus pandemic, has options when it comes to his back-line.

"If I wanted to go with three at the back, I have got the option of that," said Keates.

"If not, we have got four centre-backs fighting for two places.

"Max has got a massive future in the game, he might have to wait his turn but I have got high hopes for the lad going forward.

"We have got good competition for places. We have got three established centre-backs that are used to playing week in, week out, and playing at a high level."

Keates saw Wrexham begin their pre-season programme by beating Cyrmu Premier neighbours Cefn Druids 4-1 before clinching a 2-1 victory over a Salford City XI.

The winning run came to an end on Tuesday as Wrexham were held to a goalless draw at Telford United.

Keates welcomed the test provided by the National League North outfit and took positives for the match, particularly during the last 20 minutes after he had made wholesale changes.

"At points we were pressing too much and getting picked off," said Keates.

"I just said to them at half-time, sometimes you have just got to stay in the block and don't be too eager.

"If you are asking your players not to be too eager it is not a bad thing if I am being honest!

"The first group, it was a difficult test for us. They had two, big strong lads up top but they kept a clean sheet.

"And the second group that came on for the last 20 minutes settled straight into it."

Winger Anthony Jeffrey again caught the eye following his introduction.

"I was quite impressed how they took to it straight away, to the tempo of the game," added Keates.

"We had a few ball players in the middle of the park and I thought we passed straight through them. We got AJ in good little pockets and he created some half opportunities.

"But even first half, when we did string some passes together we got in behind them and created half opportunities, and maybe should have scored a few."