RYAN VALENTINE'S call-up to the senior Wales squad can serve as inspiration to his Wrexham team-mates, believes manager Denis Smith.
The 24-year-old left-back has been drafted into John Toshack's outfit for the Euro 2008 qualifier in the Czech Republic on Saturday.
He is a replacement for Bristol City's Dave Partridge, who pulled out because of family reasons.
Ex-Everton trainee Valentine has started every game in Wrexham's promising start to the new season following his arrival from Darlington in the summer.
Dragons boss Smith said: "Everyone is pleased for Ryan. He will appreciate the reasons he has been noticed is because of him coming back to Wales and that the other lads here have played so well around him to help him along.
"It is good for the lads to know people are taking notice, Chris Llewellyn was called up the last time he was here. Hopefully, it can happen again."
Wrexham have a blank weekend coming up because of the international matches, but Smith still intends to work his players hard ahead of the following Saturday's visit of League Two pacesetters Swindon Town.
"The lads will be doing a mini pre-season," added the manager. "They will be doing morning and afternoon sessions Thursday and Friday."
Included in the Wales under-21 squad to face Turkey on Saturday are Wrexham trio Simon Spender, Mike Williams and Mark Jones.
Those Dragons players not away on international duty will today take part in team-bonding outdoor activities at Delamere Forest. . WREXHAM'S Carling Cup second round tie at Birmingham will take place on Tuesday September 19, KO 7.45pm.
