HIGHLY-RATED Wrexham teenager Craig Morgan remains hopeful he can negotiate a better deal to keep him at the Racecourse next season.
The 19-year-old central defender is unhappy with the terms of the new two-year contract he has been offered, and will be having further talks with Dragons boss Denis Smith on Tuesday following his return from a week-long international training camp in Spain organised by Wales manager John Toshack.
An established member of Brian Flynn's under-21 squad, Morgan faces a frustrating spell on the international sidelines after receiving a three-match ban for his sending-off against Austria earlier this year.
But his inclusion in Toshack's party this week suggests a promising future for Morgan, who claimed that Wrexham's precarious financial position was a factor in his current uncertainty.
"I've only been out here a couple of days but it's been a fantastic experience," he said.. "The chance to make an impression on John Toshack doesn't come along that often and it's a big challenge. If I do well there's no saying what it might lead to, and I'm anxious to give my best and see what comes of it."
A Wrexham debutant at the age of 16, it's only in the season just gone that Morgan established himself as a first-team regular, and he confessed it would be a major wrench if he left the club. "Wrexham have been a great club for me and I've been with them since I was a kid. I understand the present financial problems and sympathise with the gaffer but I'm not happy with what I've been offered.
"Hopefully he might be able to come up with a bit more money and I'm seeing him on Tuesday again. I understand that a couple of other clubs have expressed an interest in me so I have plenty to think about.
"I need to weigh up all the options because it's not simply about money and I've got to consider what is best for my career. Having said that, if Wrexham can come up with the right deal I'll be more than happy to stay."
Former Racecourse team-mates Steve Roberts and Carlos Edwards have already confirmed they are leaving the relegated club but Morgan said it was understandable.
"With Wrexham as they are, the gaffer's hands are tied but I am sure he realises that neither Carlos nor Steve are happy to be leaving.
"Fans need to realise as well that as much as they both love Wrexham, Carlos and Steve also have to look out for themselves and their families and sometimes the best thing is to move on.
"No one wants to desert Wrexham in a time of trouble and I know it was a very difficult decision to make for both of the lads. It may be that I'll have to follow suit but, as I say, I'm still hopeful that we can work something out."
