ANDY Holt says it is up to experienced players like himself to take the pressure off Wrexham's youngsters.

The left-wing back was one of only five members of the Dragons' squad for Saturday's visit of Northampton Town to have enjoyed a full season in the Football League.

Injuries to senior men like captain Darren Ferguson, Lee Roche, Dean Bennett and Lee McEvilly has meant manager Denis Smith has had to rely on graduates from the club's successful youth set-up, and teenage loanees like Sam Williams and Matt Derbyshire.

Although the starlets have proved their pedigree with a series of fine displays, the 1-0 defeat to the wily Cobblers proved there is no accounting for experience.

Although boss Smith hopes to have the likes of Ferguson and Bennett back soon, because of the constraints

placed on him by administration - he is restricted to a 20-man squad - his young guns can expect plenty more action in Wrexham's hectic run-in.

Although Holt has no doubts over their ability, he feels it is important that he, along with the likes of Dennis Lawrence, Jim Whitley and Danny Williams, make sure they do not carry too heavy a burden as the Reds bid to make the play-offs.

Holt said: 'The gaffer, Kevin Russell and Brian Carey are always telling us we've got to be an example to the young lads, and we completely agree with that.

'The gaffer has done brilliantly because it's very hard to go throughout a season with just 20 players. We all knew there would be times when we'd lose senior players and we'd have to rely on the youngsters.

'And the results leading up to the Northampton game proved how well they've done. Add to the fact that the Williams brothers and Levi Mackin have been called up to the Wales Under 21s squad, while Jonah's got the nod for the full squad, and it shows what good players they are.

'But we shouldn't forget how young they are. Of the five subs on Saturday, I think Levi was the oldest and he's only 19. That means players like myself have to carry more responsibility - and that's something I try to thrive on.'

The Dragons travel to Barnet tomorrow - a match that starts a run of six League Two games in 22 days for Smith's men.

With five first-teamers on the sidelines, the Racecourse chief was relieved his players away on international duty this week came home unscathed.

Mike and Marc Williams created history by becoming the first brothers to make their U21 international debut in Wales' defeat to Northern Ireland on Tuesday. Mackin also played in the 1-0 loss.

On the same night, Dennis Lawrence helped Trinidad to a 2-0 win over Iceland, while a day later, Mark Jones failed to make his debut for Wales in the 0-0 draw with Paraguay.

Meanwhile, Wrexham skipper Ferguson - who has an outside chance of being fit for tomorrow - will be suspended for the trips to Macclesfield Town and Rochdale after being found guilty of the use of foul and abusive language against referee Jonathan Moss following the loss to Leyton Orient in January. nReds supporters are reminded that the visit of Chester City to the Racecourse on Sunday, March 26 (noon) is an all-ticket affair. Tickets go on sale from 9.30am on Monday - only cash and cheques will be accepted.