Wrexham face Mansfield and Port Vale in cup matches

The League Two programme is put on hold when the Reds face Mansfield Town at Field Mill in the FA Cup first round on Saturday before Port Vale visit The STóK Cae Ras next Tuesday for the final EFL Trophy group game.

Although Wrexham are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions and up to third in the table, there has been no shortage of injures with Aaron Hayden, Ryan Barnett, Eoghan O'Connell, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Steven Fletcher currently sidelined.

Paul Mullin and James McClean are available for the two cup ties - Wrexham have already qualified for the knockout stages in the EFL Trophy - but the duo will serve one-match bans when the Reds return to league action at home to Gillingham on Saturday November 11.

"It is frustrating with the injuries we have got but we have got players we have added to the squad," said Parkinson.

"Andy Cannon is available and Anthony Forde is back in full training so he will get game-time in these cup games.

"We take a deep breathe and enjoy the break from the league.

"We have got two cup games and then Gillingham in the league so all the squad is going to be utilised in those three games."

Clubs in League Two are limited to a 22-man squad, although that number does not include goalkeepers or players who were under the age of 21 - such as centre-back Max Cleworth - at the start of the calendar year.

There was no place for wing-backs Bryce Hosannah and Callum McFadzean, nor striker Billy Waters, but the trio are eligible for cup games until clubs are allowed to change their squad list when the January transfer window opens.

The three players come into Parkinson's plans for the games with Mansfield and Port Vale. 

"Bryce, Callum and Billy come into the thinking for the two cup games," he added.

"With the injuries we have got, it is great to have those three available.

"They have been tremendous in training and you could sense this week that they all feel there's an opportunity around the corner for them."