A COUPLE of players remain on the sidelines but Phil Parkinson welcomed the options at his disposal as Wrexham continue the promotion challenge at York City on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Christian Dibble has been out since pre-season after sustaining a knee injury while wing-back Bryce Hosannah’s stop-start season continued when he was forced off at half-time in the Reds’ last league outing, a 2-0 home win over Aldershot Town.

There was an even bigger blow when midfielder Jordan Davies was stretchered off in Saturday’s 4-1 FA Cup second round win against Farnborough at The Racecourse and is facing three months on the sidelines because of medial ligament damage.

But Anthony Forde made his comeback as a second half substitute in the cup victory and there were also places on the bench for Rob Lainton, Reece Hall-Johnson, Harry Lennon and Jacob Mendy who have all had spells on the sidelines, giving Parkinson the competition for places he craves.

“Reece came on against Wealdstone, we haven’t seen Harry yet but he is getting stronger every day,” said the Reds’ boss.

“Fordey has had a couple of weeks out but he will come into it refreshed after coming on as substitute at the weekend.

“Jacob has had a bit longer out but he has worked really hard on the training pitch and that gives us good options.

“We need everybody as it has proved already this season.

“The strength of the squad is so important and we have got good competition.

“It is up to myself and the rest of the staff to pick the team that we feel can continue our run at the weekend.”

Hosannah will again be missing when National League leaders Wrexham continue the promotion challenge at York.

Liam McAlinden deputised at right wing-back against Farnborough but Parkinson has options with Forde and Hall-Johnson now back to full fitness.

“It is not serious with Bryce but he does keep picking up these injuries,” added Parkinson.

“We can’t hide away from that and the medical team are doing everything they can to help him be more robust.

“It was such an innocuous moment right at the end of the first half and it is a shame for Bryce but we have got other players in that position.”