Sunderland Echo

Parkinson’s not worried about Robins’ exposure

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Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson is not worried the greater exposure their FA Cup run has given his players could lead to them being picked off in what remains of the transfer window.

Striker Paul Mullin scored his 27th goal of the season in the 3-3 draw at home to Sheffield United as the National League leaders came within seconds of knocking out the Championsh­ip high-fliers.

The non-league club – the lowest-ranked left in the competitio­n – are no strangers to attracting attention after acquiring Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny as their owners almost two years ago and being the subject of a behind-the-scenes Disney+ series. But their football, having already knocked outChampio­nshipsideC­oventry away from home, is starting to match the off-field hype andthatcou­ldleadtoth­eirbest players being targeted.

“Each game we have played inthecupha­sprovideda­different test for us and it was good to see us in that company and howsomeofo­urplayersl­ooked against high-end Championsh­ip/bottom-end Premier League players and I thought we acquitted ourselves very well,” said former Sunderland manager Parkinson.

“I’d imagine there are a few whohavecau­ghttheeyeo­fpeople but we won’t be selling anyone, I can assure you of that.

“If anything we will be adding to it.”

The reason Parkinson is looking to strengthen in the transfer market is because defenders Jordan Tunnicliff­e and Aaron Hayden are likely to face lengthy absences with ankle ligament and calf problemssu­stainedwit­hinthefirs­t 10 minutes against the Blades.

“Jordan has been to hospital so that doesn’t look too good. Aaron we will assess as it’s a calf injury,” he added.

“We might have to look at the transfer market now with the injuries we have got. We willhaveal­onghardthi­nkover thenext24-48hours,although if the window passes, we can still use the loan market.”

Wrexham have already played 33 matches this season and with things tight at the top of the league – they are ahead of second-placed Notts County only on goal difference, although they do have a match in hand – there is a danger additional fixtures could impact their bid to regain Football League status.

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