Phil Parkinson could surprise us at 6:30pm with rare start for one of Wrexham’s most exciting stars vs Peterborough
It’s a huge night for Wrexham, as the Red Dragons have just one more hurdle to overcome before booking a trip to Wembley for the EFL Trophy final.
Wrexham have pushed aside Port Vale and Bolton Wanderers on the way to this semi-final clash with Peterborough, and Phil Parkinson’s men are hungry to go one step further.
Even Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson knows that most people want to see Wrexham face Birmingham in the final, but the Posh will be more than ready to ruin the party.
Now, as we look ahead to the game and try to get inside the mind of the Wrexham manager, we believe there is one player who could get a golden opportunity in the starting lineup.
Versatility of Harry Ashfield could help Phil Parkinson out
We’ve already put together our predicted Wrexham XI for the Peterborough game, but one player we left out has now given us reason to suspect he could be involved in some capactity.
Wrexham academy starlet Harry Ashfield was the big story of the third round win over Port Vale, scoring his first goal for the Red Dragons.
He’s not been seen since then, sadly, but now is his time to shine. Ashfield can play a number of positions, ranging from striker, to right wing, to anywhere in the middle of the park, and it’s this versatility that may well appeal to Parkinson when putting his team sheet together.
With Andy Cannon out injured long-term, Elliot Lee still not quite 100%, and the Wrexham strike force failing to impress, there’s a chance Ashfield could feature in any part of the pitch, but if anything, we would back him to start as part of the central three in midfield.
He has Ollie Rathbone, George Evans, Matty James, and George Dobson to compete with, but Parkinson may well be tempted by the youngster and the fact he can continue his exciting Wrexham journey with a fairytale appearance in the cup.
Harry Ashfield is desperate to play vs Peterborough
We know how highly Parkinson rates Ashfield. The teenager is the main reason Wrexham didn’t sign another attacking midfielder in January, so it’s time the gaffer put him to good use.
Ashfield dazzled fans in his last appearance, and there’s no doubt the Red Dragons’ fanbase want to see more of him now.
And, Ashfield himself has discussed his dream of helping Wrexham make it to the final, and being a part of that experience at Wembley.
We know Parkinson isn’t one for sentiment, but surely allowing one of Wrexham’s brightest young stars to live that dream is not out of the question. And, it’s not like he doesn’t deserve the opportunity
