OLLIE RATHBONE can sense special things are happening at Wrexham and every player is desperate to be on the pitch playing their part.

The midfielder arrived at The Racecourse from Rotherham United for a club record fee in the summer but has had to bide his time with Wrexham making an unbeaten start to the League One campaign.

With Andy Cannon missing through injury, Rathbone was handed his first league start in Saturday's 3-0 home win against Shrewsbury Town in the cross-border derby, with victory taking the Reds to the top of the table with 13 points from a possible 15.

Phil Parkinson, who led Wrexham to back-to-back promotions, has compiled a quality squad for the club's return to the third tier with no shortage of options and Rathbone says that will bring the best out in all the players who are eager to make the starting XI.

"I got a foot injury on my first day which wasn't ideal and that took two weeks to settle down," said the 27-year-old.

"The team has been playing so well and I have had to wait for an injury to get my chance.

"Andy has been playing really well so it is up to me to pick up where he left off.

"That competition for places is so important and we have got that in abundance.

"If you are going to have a successful season, you need the lads that are playing knowing that they have got really good players supporting them in every position but if you drop below a certain level, they are going to come in and take your shirt.

"Everyone in that changing room is desperate to be on the pitch because you know something special could be happening here and the way the team is playing, it is something you want to be a part of."

More than 13,300 fans saw Wrexham register victory over arch rivals Shrewsbury - the biggest home league attendance since January 1980 - and Rathbone savoured the electric atmosphere.

"I really enjoyed it," said Rathbone. "The atmosphere was fantastic so it was a great game to play in.

"I have played quite a lot of games at this level now and atmosphere's like that don't come around very often, it was really special.

"That's why I came to the club, to be a part of it. It's a special time to be here.

"The first home game of the season, I wasn't registered so I was just able to watch and take it all in.

"The club is on the crest of a wave and that is why I was so desperate to be a part of it this summer and I am really happy to be here."

Rathbone could be involved tonight when Wrexham host Salford City in their opening EFL Trophy group game.

Star striker Paul Mullin, who underwent spinal surgery in the summer, missed the start of the season but has made three substitute appearances and could be back in the side with Parkinson sent to ring the changes.

"He is a proven goalscorer and a proven performer," added Rathbone.

"I am sure it will just be a matter of time before he is getting into double figures."