JOSH JOHNSON is hoping to make an impact during his trial at Wrexham.
The Trinidadian yesterday spent the first day of his trial training at Colliers Park.
Johnson, who has been capped at under 21 and 23 level for Trinidad and Tobago, played for former Wrexham striker Hector Sam’s old club San Juan Jabloteh last season but is determined to make the grade in British football – hopefully with the Reds.
“I am looking for a new challenge and want to play at this level,” said Johnson today. “I have seen what other Trinidad players have done and coming over here definitely improved their game and helped us qualify for the World Cup.
“I will do my best while at Wrexham on trial, but I believe in my own ability and think I can do a good job. I am really looking forward to it and although it is the biggest step I have ever taken, hope to impress in my time at Wrexham.”
Johnson has a reputation as being a pacy winger who can also score goals and saw a possible place in Trinidad’s World Cup squad taken by another former Wrexham player, Carlos Edwards.
Dennis Lawrence, who enjoyed an outstanding tournament with the Soca Warriors, remains at The Racecourse and Johnson is impressed with the set-up at the club.
“Carlos Edwards and Hector have played at Wrexham, and Dennis is still here, and if I can take this step it will help my career. I know it is a good club to come to and the facilities are excellent. I am excited about this and hope to do well,” added Johnson.
Wrexham boss Smith has hinted that he may be interested in signing a right-sided player though he said there are current Reds players who can slot into that position, citing Levi Mackin, Mark Jones and Chris Llewellyn as candidates in a 4-4-2 formation, with first year professional Matty Done eager to impress on the left when given his opportunity.
Smith, who has run the rule on a number of trialists over the summer, has signed Welsh quartet Neil Roberts, Chris Llewellyn, Steve Evans and Ryan Valentine and may be tempted to add to his squad, but knows there is no rush now that restraints have been lifted on Wrexham who are on the brink of coming out of administration.
“I will make a decision on other players,” said Smith who is preparing for Saturday’s friendly against Liverpool at The Racecourse. “I was able to bring players in like Matty Derbyshire last year even when it was difficult and I will bring players in again if I think it is necessary.
“I am excited about the Liverpool match, we are playing one of the best teams in Europe and should be out of administration. I expect it to be sorted but if it isn’t, it should be by Monday. There are no problems – if I thought there were I would not have been doing what I have been this summer.”
Meanwhile, striker Lee McEvilly yesterday underwent an operation on the broken bone in his foot sustained after training yesterday.
The unfortunate McEvilly, who has suffered the same injury three times since December, faces another spell on the sidelines and will definitely miss the start of the season.
Lee Roche is also recovering from a broken toe picked up yesterday in training and looks likely to be out for about a month.
n Supporters are reminded that Saturday’s friendly against Liverpool is all-ticket and none will be available on the day of the game. The ticket office is open until 6pm tonight and from 9.30am-6pm tomorrow.