WREXHAM COULD EARN UEFA CUP SPOT
Daily Post

WREXHAM could be handed a route back into Europe after the Welsh FA revealed they are planning talks with Uefa that could see the Dragons, Cardiff and Swansea readmitted to the Welsh Cup.

FAW secretary-general David Collins will meet president Michel Platini to try and broker a deal that would allow Wales' three Football League clubs back into its top domestic knock-out competition after a gap of 13 years.

The proposal, which is likely to be fiercely opposed by the Welsh Premier, represents an about-face by the FAW, which implemented the ban in 1995 when Uefa said only clubs playing within the boundaries of their national associations could be nominated for the Uefa Cup.

But Collins believes the time is right for the 'big three' - together with Merthyr Tydfil, NewportCounty and ColwynBay - to compete once more for the Welsh Cup and the Uefa Cup place awarded every year to the winners.

Collins said: "Obviously there has been an indication that Platini has looked to encourage smaller footballing nations and that is why we are having this meeting next month to explore our situation. We are hopeful but obviously we just don't know.

"But we wish to see the English-based clubs represent Wales again in Europe should they win the Welsh Cup."

The FAW's initiative is timely, given the BBC Wales-backed FAW Premier Cup is to be scrapped at the end of this season.

BIG STEVE EXPECTING NO AGGRO FROM POSH
Mark Currie - Daily Post

WREXHAM defender Steve Evans is not expecting any fall-out from the recent League Two match at Peterborough United in this evening's Racecourse rematch between the two sides.

The Dragons' 0-0 draw at London Road just over a fortnight ago was mired in controversy after a collision involving the Wales international and home goalkeeper Joe Lewis, who was stretchered off.

Evans was cautioned for his part in the incident, which sparked a melee involving most of the players. Posh manager Darren Ferguson later accused his former Wrexham team-mate of head-butting Lewis.

That charge was not supported by TV evidence and ahead of tonight's clash - important to both camps for different reasons - Evans was anxious to play down any suggestions of renewed resentment.

"It was just a case of handbags on the day and I've forgotten it now," he said. "All we have to do is concentrate and make sure we stay focused on the job in hand, which is to try and take all three points.

"They weren't very happy in the previous game because they probably expected to win, but we frustrated them and were probably the better team on the day."

Still anchored to the foot of the League Two table, the Dragons extended their unbeaten run to six matches on Saturday and although the 0-0 draw with GrimsbyTown was no thriller, Evans said there was much to be positive about.

"It was not much of a spectacle for the fans, but from our point of view we kept a third successive clean sheet and extended the unbeaten run," he added.

"Since Mike Williams came into the back line with myself and Phil Bolland we have not conceded a goal, but we know we cannot afford to let our standards slip because there are other lads waiting to get their chance.

"Phil is a very experienced player and he is a calming influence at the back, but the other players in the side are also doing their bit because we are not having to defend so much.

"We are building a sequence of results to keep the points ticking over and hopefully we can go one better tomorrow and pick up all three. We are feeling very confident at the moment and we have to keep on believing that we can hold our own against any team in the division."

Racecourse boss Brian Little was unable to name his side yesterday because of knocks to several players and ongoing discussions with MK Dons about extending striker Drewe Broughton's loan spell.

Broughton's initial month-long stay came to an end at the weekend and, with Paul Ince's side in action last night, a decision is expected this morning.

"We are very hopeful at this stage that Drewe will be back with us again," said Little. "He has done well for us and he likes it here so if everything is okay he'll be involved in what is a massive game.

"Peterborough are a very good side and they had a convincing win on Saturday, but we have gone six games unbeaten and we are determined to carry on that good work. I don't expect what happened there two or three weeks ago to have any bearing on what happens tomorrow, but we know we can expect a very tough night."

The Dragons' boss said he was not concerned about the heavily sanded Racecourse pitch that made conditions difficult for both sides last weekend.

"If I thought any of my players were worrying about the state of the pitch or blaming it for anything I would very quickly put that right," added Little.

"It's the same for both sides and we just have to get on with it as it is. It is certainly heavy and the recent international match in atrocious conditions did the playing surface no favours at all, but it will improve as the weather does."

Danny Sonner, Carl Tremarco and Mike Williams will have fitness tests this morning, but Little is optimistic all three will start tonight.