ROB LAINTON is set to make his first appearance of the season in tomorrow's clash with St Mirren Colts at The Racecourse.

First choice goalkeeper Lainton, the current Player of the Year, did not feature in pre-season because of an ankle injury that has kept him out of the opening 16 league games of the campaign.

But after returning to training, new manager Dean Keates hopes to give Lainton a run-out in the Scottish Challenge Cup fourth round tie, although the game has come too soon for striker JJ Hooper who is back on the sidelines.

"I am optimistic about Rob," said Keates. "He has trained the last couple of days and did a bit on the pitch on Tuesday so I am fairly optimistic he will get minutes at the weekend.

"JJ probably won't be available.

"He has had a bit of a niggle and it is still niggling away so we will look at settling it down."

Keates, whose second term as manager began with Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Harrogate Town, is expected to rest players for the cup game.

Although the league is the priority, and Wrexham climbing away from the relegation zone, Keates would still like to win and reach the quarter-finals of the competition.

"There are players that will need minutes," said Keates. "Players not involved against Harrogate, I will look to try and incorporate them into the weekend.

"Even if we were absolutely flying the league would be the priority but we are not.

"We are where we are, it needs addressing and without being disrespectful to any cup competition, it is all about the league.

"A win is a win and we need a win for a bit of confidence around the whole place.

"We will put a team out that I feel is capable of winning the game."

Keates wants to build on Tuesday's draw against Harrogate, who scored a late equaliser, against St Mirren.

"I put a building block in place and we take the positive that we have got something," he added.

"All being well we can get a win in the cup this weekend."