ENIGMATIC Wrexham striker Hector Sam is desperate to achieve something that has eluded him for years.
He is targeting a run of first team games to prove his worth to manager Denis Smith after being placed on the transfer list last season.
Sam burst on to the scene in the 2000-01 season, scoring six goals in six games. Since then he has struggled with injury and form and has never enjoyed such a long run in the side.
But with his Trinidadian compatriots, Carlos Edwards and Dennis Lawrence, currently playing the best football of their Wrexham careers following extended runs in the side, Sam is eager to follow suit.
"It would be nice if the manager showed enough confidence in me to say 'here are some games, take the chance'," he said. "I really don't know if he will, but I think that's what I need.
"Both Carlos and Dennis had a run of about 10 or 20 games and now we're seeing the best of them."
Shocked at Smith's decision to list him, Sam spent the summer training hard, ready to prove a few people wrong this season.
He enjoyed a productive tour of South Africa with Trinidad and a fine pre-season in Wrexham's colours, netting twice. Yet he was then left out of the squad that faced Chester-field and only regained a place after an injury to Chris Armstrong.
But after two illuminating substitute performances against Crewe, where he hit the bar, and Notts County, where he struck the winner, Sam is now hoping he has forced his way into Smith's plans - for good.
The striker added: "I do need a run to get my confidence going, so it's not just a case of coming in for a cameo and then having to drop out again.
"Off the pitch everything is set up for me here. I'm settled here and I just need to get it right on the pitch."
Smith shocked many with his decision to list Sam, especially after he had just penned a two-year extension to his contract.
"That decision didn't seem logical to me," said Sam.
"I'd just signed a new deal and was looking forward to staying on at Wrexham. But I'm still here and I'm determined to show people what I can do."
And while manager Smith - who saw Sam suffer with a slight groin strain during yesterday's double training session - understands his striker's dilemma, he can't make any promises
"Unfortunately every player would like that sort of run," he said. "My problem is, what if Hector doesn't produce in those games?
"He's looked sharp when he's come on as sub but there's a world of difference between that and starting a match. Hector has just got to keep on doing what he's been doing."
Smith also saw Paul Edwards (hamstring) and Shaun Holmes (ankle) pull up after training, yet both are expected to be okay for Saturday's match with Brentford.
