Ollie sets sights in new final highlight

OLLIE PALMER regards his cup final win at Wembley as the highlight of his career and the striker wants to beat Stockport County so he can try and emulate that feat with Wrexham.

Phil Parkinson’s side take on their National League title rivals in tomorrow’s FA Trophy semifinal tie at The Racecourse, with the winners progressing to the showpiece at the national stadium on May 22.

The 30-year-old, who joined the Reds from AFC Wimbledon for a club record fee in January, was successful on his only previous trip to Wembley as he helped Lincoln City – then in League Two – beat Shrewsbury Town 1-0 to win the 2018 EFL Trophy final.

Having had the taste of playing and winning silverware on the big stage, Palmer is hungry for more.

“At Lincoln we won the Checkatrade Trophy and it was the highlight of my career,” said Palmer, who has scored nine goals since signing for Wrexham.

“Lifting trophies at Wembley is an absolute dream and that is why you have got to take this competition seriously.

“It’s a big cup competition and it is an opportunity for the club to win a trophy at Wembley. I don’t see how that can be snubbed at.

“It is a massive game against Stockport and we want to win it and get to Wembley.

“We play football to win things and as a little boy, you dream about winning trophies at Wembley and we have got an opportunity to do that.

“If I can say I have done that twice, and if it has to be for a third time, then I will take every single one.”

Meanwhile club boss Phil Parkinson is adamant he’s putting great store by trying to reach Wembley, even if a trip to the Twin Towers is less of a priority than promotion.

Parkinson has named a strong side in the previous four rounds and is very keen to be participating in the showpiece against either Bromley or York City on May 22.

“We have made a few changes here and there along the way, kept the momentum going and we find ourselves one game away from Wembley,” said Parkinson.

“Never devalue a trip to Wembley.

“It is an iconic stadium and the aim is to make sure we are there come Saturday afternoon.”