PHIL PARKINSON says Wrexham have proved they can compete with teams from a higher division and he is relishing renewing rivalries with Sheffield United.

Wrexham turn their attention to the Carabao Cup and a first round tie with United - back in the Championship following last season’s relegation from the Premier League - at Bramall Lane tonight.

The teams went head-to-head in two pulsating FA Cup ties during the 2022-23 campaign.

Wrexham came from behind to lead 3-2 in the fourth round match at The Racecourse but United, heading for promotion to the top-flight, equalised in added time to force a replay.

The Reds gave as good as they got in south Yorkshire where Paul Mullin levelled from the penalty spot but the Blades scored two late goals to secure a 3-1 replay victory and progress to round five.

Parkinson was pleased with his side’s performance in both of those matches when Wrexham showed a never-say-die attitude.

“I thought those two games were amazing games of football,” said the Reds’ boss.

“The home game and the luck we had with Aaron Hayden and Jordan Tunnicliffe getting injured in the first 10 minutes, and we went a goal down.

“Despite not winning the game, if a game typified how we like to play and the spirit we are trying to create in the club, I think that game certainly typified that.

“We had to face adversity but we dug really deep as a team and played really well.

“We took a team, that ultimately got into the Premier League, all the way.

“I think the second game, people thought we would go there and just roll over.

“But we went to Bramall Lane with an amazing following and really went toe-to-toe with them.

“I think if you go into those games with respect but no fear then you can cause upsets.

“When that game comes, that will obviously be the aim.

“We will go there and look to express ourselves, have the utmost respect for Chris Wilder and his team but go there and play like we like the Wrexham team to play.”

Wrexham go into the match on the back of Saturday’s 3-2 win against Wycombe Wanderers on the opening day of the League One campaign.

Back in the third tier for the first time in 19 years after clinching two promotions in a row, goals from Max Cleworth, Jack Marriott and Steven Fletcher secured victory and gave the Reds the ideal boost heading into the clash with the higher level Blades.

“What a great game to look forward to against Sheffield United,” said Parkinson.

“There is nothing better than going into the first round of the cup with a first league win and we are really looking forward to it.”

Wrexham led 2-0 at half-time against Wycombe who reduced the deficit but Fletcher restored the two-goal victory before the Chairboys stuck late on.

The Reds held on for three points and Parkinson knew it wouldn’t be easy despite going two-nil up at the break.

“I said to the lads at half-time that nothing is going to be handed to us,” he added.

“It wasn’t in the National League, it wasn’t in League Two so don’t think this is going to be handed to us.

“We are going to have to fight tooth and nail for this win and we really did but credit to Wycombe because they never stopped going.”