Everything Phil Parkinson Said ahead Of Blackburn Trip

Phil Parkinson has provided an encouraging injury update for Wrexham ahead of Saturday’s trip to Blackburn Rovers, as his side look to build on their emphatic win over Preston North End. The manager’s preparations have been boosted by Ben Sheaf’s return to full training, while Max Cleworth and George Thomason are also progressing towards comebacks.

Last weekend’s 4–1 success offered a response to the disappointment against West Bromwich Albion, lifting Wrexham to 14th in the Championship. However, maintaining that improvement away from home now presents the next challenge, with Blackburn sitting one point above them.

Parkinson also faces decisions over his attacking approach after Sam Smith and Kieffer Moore both scored against Preston. Whether he retains that partnership remains a talking point ahead of the visit to Ewood Park.

With players returning and competition for places increasing, his latest comments offer insight into Wrexham’s preparations for another important league fixture.

“It's always good after you've had a win to have a free week because it gives you time to enjoy the feeling of the victory after the weekend.

“Preston was slightly different to the games before; it was more of us on the ball and being more effective in the final third.

“Performances and wins are earned. They're not handed to you. They've got to be earned by understanding the tactical game plan, the areas we needed to improve on going into the game, which I felt we did.

“There were a couple of lads carrying knocks, which we've been able to work on this week as well, and modify the early part of the week in terms of the training.

“I’m pleased firstly for Ben [Whiteman], playing against his old club and probably a little bit of unfair criticism came his way, but he responded to it really well in terms of handling that situation. I don't think he could have done much more in the game.

“Joe’s [Worrall] gradually impressed more with the way he is as a character around the building. I thought his performance was exactly what we needed and it was one for him to build on.”

Wrexham returned to winning ways with a 4–1 victory over Preston North End at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday. Joe Worrall opened the scoring in the 31st minute, but Alfie Devine equalised five minutes later. Ben Whiteman restored Wrexham’s lead against his former club before half-time, giving Phil Parkinson’s side a 2–1 advantage.

Sam Smith headed home Whiteman’s corner in the 59th minute, before Kieffer Moore added a fourth four minutes later. The result lifted Wrexham to 14th in the Championship with 14 points from 11 matches, providing a much-needed response after their previous home defeat against West Bromwich Albion.

Ben Sheaf could return to Wrexham’s squad for Saturday’s trip to Blackburn after resuming full training. The midfielder missed three matches with a groin injury sustained during the international break, although Phil Parkinson has yet to confirm his availability.

Max Cleworth and George Thomason also took part in parts of Thursday’s training session, offering further encouragement as Wrexham’s injury problems begin to ease.

Cleworth has missed five matches since suffering a hamstring injury against Burnley in September. Thomason, meanwhile, has missed nine games after picking up a thigh problem during the draw with Watford in Wrexham’s second league fixture. Both are progressing, but the visit to Ewood Park could come too soon.

Elsewhere, Josh Windass continues his recovery from an ankle injury, while Nathan Broadhead is working through his rehabilitation. Liberato Cacace faces a longer spell on the sidelines, leaving Parkinson without several options despite the positive developments in training.

“[Ben] Sheaf was back in training today - full training.” [George] Thomason and Max [Cleworth] did part of the session, so that’s a huge lift for everybody to see those boys out there. It really thickens up the numbers in the squad. It's a good start getting those lads back on the training pitch.

“Josh [Windass] has got a boot on to protect his ankle at the moment, but I think it's this weekend that comes off. The team can then really start assessing the ankle and look to progress Josh.

"[Nathan] Broadhead is also out on the grass still doing his fitness work. The next stage for him is striking the ball because it was a thigh injury.

"The Championship is a topsy-turvy league. It's very tight. Of course, we'd love to be slightly higher up the table, but I'm confident, that we've got a squad equipped to grow into the division like we did last year.

“I think the squad's got more depth in it this year. We've got more options, and I'm very confident in this group of players, not just ability-wise, but I'm seeing a real strength of character forming amongst the group."

Blackburn sit 10th in the Championship with 15 points from 11 matches, recording four wins, three draws and four defeats. After consecutive victories over Cardiff and Bristol City, they lost 3–2 at West Brom, where they surrendered a two-goal lead. Rovers remain one point ahead of visitors Wrexham.

“They have a lot of good players; they've got similar to what they had last year. We know what they're all about. They had a disappointing day at West Brom, having been 2-0 up and having such a great start in the game to then lose 3-2.

“Going to Blackburn will offer a different challenge to Preston, and we've got to concentrate on what we need to do to get the better of them at the weekend. We've got to be right at the races on Saturday.

“Tony's [Mowbray] a terrific person and he's had a good career as a player and a manager.

"I look forward to seeing him at the weekend. Last year was a really competitive game, separated by a couple of real quality moments. There was a great pass from Matty [James], a brilliant finish from Sam Smith, and Ollie Rathbone getting a goal.

“I think there are comparisons to last season in many ways, but I think the biggest comparison in my mind is that we're going to keep improving as a team and part of that will be the injured players coming back into the frame.”