PHIL PARKINSON believes high standards in training and extra work during the week is keeping fitness levels high for players out of the team.

The Wrexham boss went into Saturday's FA Trophy clash against Gloucester City with a depleted squad with a number of players missing through injury, suspension and Covid 19 isolation.

Although he was still able to name a strong side, some of the players who started the third round tie have not had much game-time this season but caught the eye in the 5-0 victory.

Wing-back Cameron Green, Max Cleworth, playing in midfield rather than his usual centre-back position, and striker Kwame Thomas, making his first appearance since March after recovering from a ruptured Achilles', were all praised by Parkinson who says the trio benefited from working hard when out of the team.

"I am pleased with the way the lads have come in and picked up the pace of the game," said Parkinson.

"The standards in training, the intensity levels and the way we have been able to monitor the data has proved very beneficial for us.

"It has kept the players out of the team up to speed.

"Kwame came in on Saturday and did so well, Max hadn't played for a while but he has played the last two games and looked like he hasn't been out of the team, and Cammy played the full 90 minutes.

"All three of those players haven't had much football but it just shows you that if the training is right, and the work during the week is right and the extra work players out of the team do is monitored to the correct levels, you get those results and that is what has pleased myself and staff the most."

Wrexham return to league action this weekend but the Welsh government has announced that all sporting events in Wales will be held behind closed doors from Boxing Day due to the surge in coronavirus cases, meaning spectators cannot attend the clash against Solihull Moors at the Racecourse.

The busy festive period continues with two away games, with the Reds heading to Altrincham next Tuesday before travelling to Notts County on Sunday January 2.

Parkinson is looking for Wrexham, currently fifth in the National League, to come through the matches in a strong position.

"Supporters and players enjoy the Christmas games," added Parkinson. "They have a special feel to them, unfortunately that won't be the case for us on Boxing Day.

"But the two away games will be played in front of big crowds and packed grounds, and we will be ready to pick the right teams for each and every game and get through this period in a strong league position to take us into the break for the free weekend and FA Trophy.

"We will just keep doing what we have been doing.

"Just keep the momentum going, keep the consistency levels in our performance going.

"We know that there are areas we have got to improve but our belief is we will do, and get ready to mount a real challenge in the second part of the season."