WREXHAM boss Denis Smith is looking on the bright side after losing two of his most influential players in the space of 48 hours.

Less than two days after Steve Roberts' drawn-out move to Doncaster Rovers was confirmed, Smith learned out-of-contract international Carlos Edwards is heading for Championship-bound Luton Town.

Although dismayed to lose the Trinidad and Tobago wing-back, currently on World Cup duty for his country, Smith said the money saved on the outgoing duo ' s wages would help fund replacements.

"The good thing about Steve Roberts and Carlos Edwards leaving is that they have done it in the right manner," said the Dragons boss.

"Their moves will free up money which will allow me to strengthen the squad.

"Their wages all come from the same cake and it can only be sliced so many ways.

"When players like Steve and Carlos at the top end of the wage scale move, it all balances out as far as recruiting new play-ers goes."

Smith was again left to rue the cruel timing of the cruciate knee ligament injury which thwarted Edwards' likely move to a Championship side last season.

This season's Premiership-hopefuls Preston North End were rumoured to have been preparing a near-£400,000 bid for Edwards.

But the Trinidadian's Bosman-style free transfer to Luton this time round leaves cash-strapped Wrexham empty-handed.

"There were a number of teams interested in Carlos and he would have joined a Championship side last summer," conceded Smith.

"Given the situation the club was in at the time they would have had no option but to sell - until Carlos suffered the injury.

"Clubs then became aware he was out of contract this summer.

"Fortunately for the player he has now been able to join a Championship side.

"Unfortunately for the club we have lost out on that transfer fee."

But Smith refused to be downcast as he paid tribute to the second international to leave the club this week.

"Carlos was in and out of the side before I came here but when I came in I changed the system and he benefited from that," said Smith.

"He is certainly good enough to play at Championship level and he will be missed because he became very popular with the fans. "I think he likes it here and I think he would like to stay but I don't think there was ever that chance really when you are deciding between playing in League Two or the Championship.

"That's no decision and I certainly think being forced to drop a division hasn't helped us in the least.

" Financially I would imagine Carlos is going to be far better off and that's no surprise.

"Now I will just have to see if I can get someone in, but I have Simon Spender, Jim Whitley and Dean Bennett who can play in that position so I'm not crying out for a wing-back.

"There is a big market out there, I know that.

"I may be offered players from abroad but chiefly I'll be looking at all the divisions over here.

"There will be Premiership teenagers who may be good enough for this level and then you look at Championship as well as League One, League Two and into non-league.

"There are players good enough that can be attracted to this club."

Amid the latest movements at the Racecourse Smith was quick to quash rumours linking him to the vacant post at League One outfit Hartlepool United, where assistant Martin Scott has taken over as caretaker manager after Neale Cooper's shock departure.

"I know Martin very well because he played for me at Bristol City," said Smith.

"He won't be very happy to hear these rumours because he's taken over and won his first game in charge.

"Why is everybody talking about who's leaving Wrexham?

"I like it here and I would like to stay here if I can.

"I get talking to other clubs all the time but there is no basis to this rumour at all."

Smith was waiting to hear if he would be admitted to hospital today for an ankle operation.