DEAN KEATES hopes getting the chance to spend more time with his Wrexham players will pay dividends.

Having been announced as Reds boss for a second time on Sunday, preparation time was limited ahead of Tuesday's National League clash with Harrogate Town, which ended in a 1-1 draw, with Keates only able to hold one training session.

But Keates has now had a few days with his squad and will be targeting a first win when Wrexham host St Mirren Colts in today's Scottish Challenge Cup fourth round tie.

"The games come thick and fast," said Keates.

"I only had them once on Monday and couldn't do too much, they were still in recovery mode from the weekend, but it's now given us a few days to settle them down.

"There's one or two that are here from when I was manager, players that I tried to bring in myself but didn't get them at that time, and one or two more that have come in.

"I said to the players that after the Harrogate game they will get to know me better, what I am about and what I want, and the roles and responsibilities that will be given to them."

Wrexham are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference but Keates believes his players enjoying their football is key to climbing the table.

"They need to start enjoying their football again and play with a bit of swagger," added Keates.

"I said to them before the game, on paper it is a great squad here.

"Confidence is a little bit low but they need to step up now and that only comes with hard work and that is what we will be expecting from them, to put a shift in for the football club and eventually their capabilities and attributes will come to the surface.”