JACOB MENDY will  be back in training this weekend with the wing-back set to be available for Monday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Blackburn Rovers.

Mendy has missed Wrexham's last three games after he was included in the Gambia squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but the Scorpions have been eliminated from the tournament in Ivory Coast having finished bottom of Group C after losing all three games.

An unused substitute in the 3-0 defeat to defending champions Senegal in the opening game, Mendy started the 1-0 loss against Guinea and was also named in the team for the dramatic 3-2 reverse against Cameroon on Tuesday.

Cameroon came from behind to win with two late goals and reach the last 16, and confirm Gambia’s exit.

Reds' boss Phil Parkinson has been in regular contact with Mendy, who made his first international appearance against Ivory Coast in a World Cup qualifier in November, and says the 27-year-old can be proud of his achievements.

Mendy became just the second player in the club’s history to feature at a major tournament after Dennis Lawrence played for Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World Cup.

"I have been in regular dialogue with Jacob and it has been a good experience for him," said the Reds' boss.

"He started the last group game and we have been monitoring him closely.

"It has ended for Gambia and we are looking forward to him getting back with us. He will be back for the weekend's training prior to the game at Blackburn.

"I am sure he will benefit from a great experience over there and it is good for the club having Jacob's profile over in the AFCON.

"Obviously the downside is we lost a player through that period but equally, it is an honour for Jacob to represent his country."

Wrexham's training schedule has changed with the cup-tie being switched to Mendy will link up with his team-mates this weekend.

"The game has moved to the Monday night so we just adapt the training programme accordingly," added Parkinson.