WREXHAM manager Denis Smith has spent the early part of the week sorting out his imminent move to the area but he will be back tomorrow to sort out striker Craig Faulconbridge.

The 23-year-old has a broken little finger that kept him out of the side who played at Colchester United and the latest medical report suggests he may be sidelined for a further three weeks.

"It seems very strange to me that he could be out for such a long time," said Smith last night. "Perhaps the specialist who dealt with Craig thinks he works down a coal-mine or something.

"I've known goalkeepers play with a broken finger, so it's something I'm going to have to discuss with Craig when I'm back on Thursday. At the end of the day, though, if he has been told he cannot play, there is not much I can do about it."

Faulconbridge, whose arm is currently in a sling, is quoted on the club's website as saying: "I had an operation last Thursday, which was a relatively simple procedure. They reset the finger and straightened out the bones and inserted two metal pins to support them.

"The problem is that the pins stick out of the skin and, at the moment, I can't do anything with the hand. It has stopped me driving or taking a shower, so little things have become really awkward.

"I'm due back in hospital next Monday to see the specialist and I'll have to wait for her verdict before I know what's happening. I have been warned it could take up to four weeks to heal, although I'm hoping I will play again before then.

"It's annoying and frustrating not to be involved, after missing virtually all of December with an ankle injury and then doing this in my first game back."

Smith, who was at Adams Park last night to watch weekend opponents Wycombe Wanderers take on Fulham in their re-scheduled FA Cup third round tie, will also watch Wrexham's reserve team match against Birmingham City at Solihull this evening.

He said: "It will provide another opportunity to see what the younger players can do. Adrian Moody will play in midfield, Mark Evans will play up front and Craig Morgan will be at centre-half.

"They did well in the last reserve team game before Christmas and I've got to start thinking about the likely composition of the playing squad next season.

"The likes of Robin Gibson and Paul Barrett will also be playing tomorrow but Martyn Chalk and Brian Carey won't be involved because I know all I need to know about their ability."

And Smith has confirmed that Wrexham will accept an invitation to return to the Isle of Man this summer to defend the trophy they won in Douglas last year.

Smith has been involved in the tournament once before, as manager of Sunderland, and he recognises that the allexpenses paid trip is ideal pre-season preparation for clubs like Wrexham.