JAY CATTON is excited for the start of title chasing Connah’s Quay Nomads’ ‘ten cup finals’.

Nomads head into the second phase of the campaign in third position, in close proximity to reigning champions The New Saints and Barry Town United.

And director of football Catton is relishing the run-in, which also includes a Welsh Cup quarter-final and a Scottish Challenge Cup semi-final.

Catton said: “We are going into a huge period now. We’ve got ten finals in the top-six, we’ve got the quarter-finals of the Welsh Cup and semi-finals of the Scottish Challenge Cup.

“It’s a fantastic time to be at the club, but we also know how tough the challenges ahead are going to be and what we are going to have to do to get a result out of any of those games.

“There is so much detail into every session, everyone has got to be meticulous and every player has to be bang at it.

“It’s a really, really exciting period and we are looking forward to hitting the ground running.”

Nomads start their final 10 matches at Latham Park on Saturday, where hosts Newtown are unbeaten in the league this season.

Andy Morrison’s Flintshire outfit played out a 1-1 draw with Newtown on their last visit, and Catton knows it will be a testing 90 minutes for Nomads, who have seen Nathan Woolfe join Airbus on-loan.

“Newtown are always up there,” he said. “They are a strong team and organised, and Chris does a fantastic job there and has done for so many years.

“We are going to have to be absolutely bang at it.”

Nomads have boosted their playing resources by recalling the versatile Jake Phillips from his loan at Bangor City and signing Adam Barton on-loan from Dundee United.

Phillips, son of former Wrexham man Waynne, could be thrown straight into action with Laurence Wilson, Michael Parker, Declan Poole and Ryan Wignall all doubtful.

Barry Town United will be looking to continue their title push with all three points at Caernarfon, who have signed Leo Smith on-loan from Wrexham ahead of tomorrow’s clash.

Cofis boss Sean Eardley is pleased to have added Smith, 21, to his squad until the end of the season, saying: “I’m thrilled to add Leo to the squad for the second phase.

I was impressed with him over the two games when we played Llandudno and then he returned to Wrexham after the game on New Year’s Day.

“After enquiring with the relevant parties, Wrexham were more than happy for Leo to go out on-loan again and get some games.

“We’re happy he’s joined us, as a number of Welsh and English sides were after his services.

“I’d like to thank Graham Barrow, Carl Darlington and the staff at Wrexham FC for allowing the move and would personally like to welcome Leo to the Oval.”