JAKE LAWLOR is relishing the chance to watch Wrexham’s new attacking talent in National League action having wrestled with them in training.

Boss Bryan Hughes has brought in JJ Hooper, Leighton McIntosh, Mark Harris and Devonte Redmond this summer to compete with Bobby Grant and Jason Oswell in the Wrexham front line.

And having got up close and personal with Wrexham’s attackers during pre-season, Lawlor is looking forward to being on their side come Saturday afternoon.

“The gaffer has brought in new players and the idea is that they are better than what we had last year or they wouldn’t be here,” said Lawlor. “Everyone in the changing room thinks we can challenge again.

“The lads have come in are different to what we have already, so they bring something new. They all look quick and sharp in training and banging goals in for fun.”

On which of Wrexham’s new quartet have posed Lawlor and his defensive colleagues the most problems on the training pitch, Lawlor said with a smile: “They all do, every player. They are all very different, so they all bring their strengths to training.”

Lawlor missed the back end of last season, including the 1-0 play-off defeat to Eastleigh, with a dislocated shoulder, but is back fully fit and ready to play his part.

“It was very frustrating,” said Lawlor of missing a crunch part of last term. “But once you get over that you just want the lads to do it for everyone - the club and fans.”

And having returned to fitness Lawlor and his fellow defenders have been getting to grips with a three-man backline as Hughes attempts to add a Plan B to Wrexham’s game.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed switching between a three-man defence and the usual back four, insisting that although his role changes slightly, there’s not too much to learn.

“As long as you are playing, you’re not too bothered to be honest,” said Lawlor of the different formation. “It changes a little bit. You defend a little bit wider in the three and I’ve played predominantly in a four, so it’s just getting used to that slightly different position, because you are doing slightly different things.

“We’ve done a lot in training and played it in pre-season games to get used to it.”

Whether Hughes opts to try three at the back as Barrow visit The Racecourse on Saturday remains to be seen, but regardless of formation, Lawlor knows what the Reds need to do.

Wrexham were blown away by Barrow when Ian Evatt’s men visited north Wales back in March, the Bluebirds returning to Cumbria with a 3-1 success.

“Barrow were good at the back end of last season and they beat us 3-1, so obviously we owe them one,” said Lawlor. “We are confident of beating them.”