DENIS Smith says he has no time for the doom and gloom merchants who have already consigned Wrexham to relegation, writes Paul Wheelock.

The Racecourse boss is adamant the Dragons can stay in League One, despite his side lying six points clear of the safety zone.

Smith's team failed to make up ground in the race for survival last Saturday, when they were held to a 0-0 home draw with fellow strugglers Milton Keynes Dons.

Yet, speaking on the eve of Saturday's trip to promotion-chasing Hartlepool United, the veteran chief is confident his men can pull themselves out of trouble.

'People who say we're already down simply cannot do their maths. Until it's mathematically impossible there'll be no way we'll be giving up.

'You've got to stay positive. You don't know how results will go, I don't know how results will go, the supporters don't know how results will go - that's the beauty of football.

'I've got no time for people being negative. We remain positive and I believe we can get out of this.'

Wrexham have been enjoying a free week in the lead up to the encounter with fifth-placed Hartle-pool, giving the manager more time work with his injury-hit squad.

He said: 'I'm sat here this morning going through the work we've got to do before Saturday.

'It's given me the time to work with my assistants about what we have to concentrate on, rather than wondering who is fit for the evening's game.'

The Reds have suffered just one defeat in their previous 10 competitive matches, but five of their last six league games been draws.

Smith said: 'When the strikers have scored we have conceded goals, and when we've kept a clean sheet we've not scored. So to turn draws into wins it comes down to the team.

'I'd still prefer to be drawing games than losing them, but wins get you out of trouble and I'm confident we can get them.'

Saturday's opponents Hartlepool have an enviable record against the Dragons, having won four of their last five meetings.

But Smith believes his team can get a result at Victoria Park.

He said: 'Hartlepool are a good side but there's no reason why we can't get something if we have the players available. On Saturday I'm looking to have only eight players out! So there's hope.'

Craig Morgan will join seven other senior professionals on the sidelines, as he serves a one-match ban after collecting his fifth booking of the season against the Dons.

But Carlos Edwards will be available after a second medical opinion ruled out the need for further surgery following his hand injury, while Alex Smith is battling to over-come an ankle knock.

Wrexham welcome Oldham Athletic to the Racecourse on Tuesday night for the second leg of the LDV Vans Trophy Northern Area Final. The Reds lead 5-3 from the first leg.