Parkinson confirms major Wrexham injury blow

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has confirmed Sam Smith will miss the rest of the season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury.

The striker sustained the knee problem during last Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United and was absent as Wrexham secured an impressive 2-0 victory over Championship leaders Middlesbrough.

Parkinson had initially feared Smith would be sidelined for a significant period, with the extent of the injury confirmed after the 28-year-old saw a specialist on Tuesday.

“Unfortunately for Sam, he’s done his cruciate and he’s going to be out for nine months,” Parkinson said.

“He faces the operation next Wednesday.”