WREXHAM manager Brian Carey yesterday signed Everton goalkeeper John Ruddy on loan and is also hoping to put teenage striker Michael Carvill under contract following his release from Premiership outfit Charlton Athletic.

And the Dragons boss, who brought in left-sided player Scott Barron from Ipswich on Thursday, has not yet called a halt to his search for further reinforcements.

Hinting that more new faces could be coming in next week, he said: “We have a lot of games coming up after next weekend – seven in a month – and we have been short on numbers all season due to injury and suspension.

“The players who have come in will provide competition for places all over the pitch and that’s what we feel we need at the moment.

“We want to cater for any eventuality, so if someone becomes available next week who fits the bill I believe we owe it to the club and the supporters to get the best players possible.”

Ruddy was included in the squad which travelled to Peterborough last night, but Carey insisted his arrival at the Racecourse was no slight on current No1 Mike Ingham, who played for Northern Ireland earlier in the week.

“The opportunity came along to bring John in, so we decided to go for it,” he added. “New players, in whatever position, keep everyone on their toes and it’s not about individuals.

“The bigger the squad we have the better it will be and then it will be up to me to pick the best side possible from those available.”

Belfast-born Carvill, a Northern Ireland under-19 international, was also due to be involved this afternoon, but the relevant paperwork to confirm his switch did not go through in time.

This afternoon’s match sees Carey pit his wits against former Racecourse colleagues Darren Ferguson and Kevin Russell who like the Wrexham boss are still seeking their first win since taking charge of the side earlier this month.

But Carey insisted there was no extra pressure on him to mastermind his first victory since replacing Denis Smith.

“This match was always going to come along at some stage but we have to get beyond the personalities involved,” he added. “There will be plenty of time for all that after the game.

“As far as I’m concerned it’s just another match and it’s one we need to win. Everything else is just a sideshow.

“Both teams have a lot to play for tomorrow and if both sets of players are at it, a good game of football is in prospect.

“With the exception of last week our performances have been pretty good, but we need to go that bit further and pick up the three points on offer and that’s we are after.”

Wrexham will be without the suspended Chris Llewellyn and Ryan Valentine, but club captain Neil Roberts and midfielder Mark Jones could both play some part, having proved their fitness in a midweek friendly.

“It’s a boost for everyone, because they are big players for us,” said Carey. “They have proved that already this season and we have not been as good a team without them in the squad.

“But we can’t put too much pressure on them and ask them to do too much too soon because they have been out for some time. They won’t provide us with a miracle cure and all the players need to share the responsibility.”

Carey is also looking to central defender Steve Evans to build on the success of his second Wales outing in Belfast during the week.

“We have to be careful because as well as being a physical test for Steve, the emotion of winning an international cap can be draining sometimes,” added Carey. “But it’s great that he kept his place in the side and shows hopefully that he is back to his best.

“I know how much it means for him to be playing for his hometown club. He is a leader on the field and we need everyone to follow his example.”

Despite the weather conditions overnight, club officials at London Road are confident the game will go ahead.