WREXHAM’S players may be under strict orders not to over-indulge this festive period but Mike Williams is hoping to give manager Denis Smith a sizeable headache come New Year’s Day.

Since Steve Evans’ dismissal in the 4-0 defeat at Boston United, the 20-year-old has proved a more than capable deputy for the Wales international alongside Shaun Pejic at the heart of the Dragons defence.

However, with Williams moving into the centre, it has opened the door to Ryan Valentine to reclaim his full-back slot after returning from injury.

And with Evans completing the final game of his four-match ban this Saturday against Hereford, the former TNS man will be available for selection for the January 1 clash at home to Accrington.

If, as expected, Evans is thrust straight back into action against John Coleman’s men, Smith will face a difficult poser about who should make way.

With summer signing Valentine, who can play on either flank, likely to retain his place in the starting XI, the Dragons boss will have to decide between ex-Manchester United trainee Lee Roache and Williams.

And the under-21 international has vowed to make Smith’s decision all the more difficult by continuing his fine vein of form at Edgar Street this weekend.

"With Steve being back I’m sure he will go straight into the team, so that leaves Ryan Valentine at left-back," said Williams.

"It will be interesting to see what the gaffer will do.

"It is good for him because he will have a good selection problem with people fighting for places. It gives the manager a headache but a good headache.

"It is down to the gaffer at the end of the day and hopefully I have done enough to keep my place in the side.

"I’ve had a good run of games and I just want to carry on as I just enjoy playing.

He added: "I don’t really mind playing wherever, so long as I’m on the pitch. I spent a lot of last year on the bench watching the games. Whichever I’m playing I just try to do a job."

The left-sided defender won’t be the only member of the Williams clan hoping to retain his place.

His sibling Marc will be vying to make a fourth successive start in December by partnering Chris Llewellyn at the business end of Wrexham’s formation against Graham Turner’s 10th-placed side.

Mike, who has also played alongside his 19-year-old brother for Wales U21s, has spoken of his delight at Marc breaking through into the first team this term.

"It has been quite frustrating for him (Marc), with not getting a game and people coming in on loan he hasn’t played too much," said Williams. "So to get his chance and to do well it has given him a confidence boost.

"He brings something different to the side. He drops off and links up well, so I think he and Llewellyn play quite well together. Llewellyn likes to get behind defences, whereas Marc likes to drop off. It gives the side someone to play off.

"I don’t really think about it any more.

"An onlooker might think, oh, what is it like playing with his brother, but because we’ve been doing it since we were young, it is just like playing with any other player in the side."