Wes just can't wait to prove his worth

By RICHARD WILLIAMS

18 April 2008

WES BAYNES is hoping Brian Little's planned shake-up of the side means he gets his chance when Wrexham entertain Notts County at The Racecourse tomorrow (3pm).

Disappointed with the Reds' display in last Sunday's derby against Shrewsbury, four players - Simon Spender, Phil Bolland, Richard Hope and Michael Proctor – were all given 90 minute run-outs in the reserve team's victory against Chester in midweek.

And it remains to be seen what the side will be tomorrow as rock bottom Wrexham, nine points adrift of safety, continue their unlikely bid to avoid relegation.

But 19-year-old Baynes, back in contention following a calf injury, hopes to get the nod: "The gaffer has said there will be changes and hopefully I benefit from that," he said today.

"I have been doing okay in training and would like to think I am in contention to play.

"Hopefully a few of the younger lads play, I get my chance and do well, and make it hard for the gaffer to change the side.

"There are four matches left and I would love to be involved in those, especially with the gaffer looking to the future and his squad for next season.

"Hopefully I am going to be a big part of his plans."

Baynes, a first year professional, was handed a surprise first team debut against Chester City in November for what was Little's first game in charge of the Reds.

The 19-year-old has gone on to make eight starts in total and he is delighted to have made the break through this season.

"I am aiming to finish the season in the side and do well," added Baynes. "It's been a decent season for me. I hadn't been in the squad before andthen Brian Little came in and put me in the team for his first game.

"I was chuffed with that, especially being a Chester lad.

"That put a lot of confidence in me."

Such is the impression Baynes has made on Little that he – along with left-back Neil Taylor – have already signed contract extensions that tie the pair to the Racecourse until the summer of 2010.

And although Wrexham's hopes of retaining their Football League status is bleak, Baynes is glad to have committed his future to the club: "I was relieved to sign the contract and get it sorted," he said.

"We don't want to be relegated but it does not bother me that I could be playing in the Blue Square Premier division next season.

"If we do go down, hopefully we are not there long.

"We just have to win tomorrow against Notts County and see what happens then.

"We are not giving up while it is still possible."