Jake Bickerstaff scored three goals in FA Trophy for Wrexham

The striker only made one substitute appearance last season and finished the campaign on loan at Nantwich Town.

Having signed a contract extension in the summer, keeping him at The Racecourse until the end of the 2023-24 season, Bickerstaff has had to bide his time this term but has benefitted from Wrexham entering a reserve team in the Central League.

After scoring in the 3-1 FA Trophy third round win against Scunthorpe in his first game of the season, Bickerstaff netted twice in Friday's clash with Altrincham in the same competition.

The fourth round tie finished 2-2 after 90 minutes, with Wrexham bowing out of the competition following a 4-3 defeat on penalties, but Parkinson has been impressed with the 21-year-old who is behind Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer and Sam Dalby in the pecking order.

"He can't do much more can he?" said Parkinson.

"Him and Sam were really good, they combined well, and we saw signs of that in the reserves early in the season when they played together.

"I thought he was excellent.

"The first one was a real poachers goal and the second one was a top class bit of play. He has broke through and finished it really well so I am delighted for him.

"Jake has been superb in training, his finishing has been top class and I was very pleased with him against Altrincham.

"It is all about working hard and keep training well, keep your standards really high and keep knocking on the door."

Wrexham resume their National League title challenge with two successive away games, with next Saturday's trip to Maidstone United followed by another away game at Gateshead on Tuesday January 24.

The Reds then turn their attention to the FA Cup and the fourth round tie against Championship high-fliers Sheffield United at The Racecourse has been selected for live television coverage.

BBC One will screen the game which will now take place on Sunday, January 29, 4.30pm kick-off.