LUKE SIMPSON is ready to play his part in Wrexham's promotion challenge if needed.

The 24-year-old has joined Wrexham until the end of the season to give Hughes cover in the goalkeeping department.

A shoulder injury sustained by first choice stopper Rob Lainton led to Hughes adding a third gloveman to his squad for the vital run-in.

Christian Dibble came in for his first league start of the season in the 1-1 draw at Gateshead on February 25, with Simpson on the substitutes bench, although Lainton returned to the side for Saturday's 1-0 win over Chesterfield.

Opportunities might be limited with just 10 games to go and Simpson playing back-up to Lainton and Dibble, but he is ready to answer the call if it comes.

"I am just here to support the goalkeeping department," said Simpson.

"If I am needed then I am ready; if the worst happens, I am ready to play if anything happens to the other lads and I will do my best for the club and for the lads.

"Hopefully we can get what we want out of the season."

Lainton kept a 19th league clean sheet of the season against Chesterfield and Simpson believes he will learn a lot from the Reds' number one as well as Dibble and goalkeeper coach Jussi Jääskeläinen.

"They are two really good goalkeepers," said Simpson.

"Dibs looked the part at Gateshead and obviously Rob has had a really good season.

"Really good goalkeepers at the club with a good goalkeeping coach so it is a perfect scenario for me to come and learn from Rob, Dibs and Jussi."

Simpson, who started his career at Oldham Athletic before moving to Leicester City on-loan, counts Watford, Accrington Stanley, York City and Macclesfield Town as former clubs.

"I have got experience myself and been about a little bit," said Simpson.

"I played in the league for Accrington Stanley so I have got a bit of experience for a 24-year-old."

Simpson, who recently had a short spell playing for Tamworth in Evo-Stik League South, jumped at the chance to join Wrexham.

"I was training at Crewe and the goalkeeper coach, Fred Barber, who has been really good for me, pulled me and said 'do you fancy going to Wrexham?'" added Simpson.

"I was just training at Crewe to keep fit and I jumped at the chance.

"Once the manager rang me we agreed it all, I got in the car and came straight down here."