Wrexham have signed a 6ft 4ins German striker.
Ferdinand Takyi has joined the Dragons from Bognor Regis Town, although it is unlikely international clearance will go through in time for him to play in the FA Trophy tie at home against Harrogate Town at home on Saturday.
Tackyi, from Bremen, moved to England several years ago having developed through youth football and signed for Ryman League Banstead Athletic.
He moved to Latvia to join FK Spartaks and played for them in both the Latvian top division and Europa League.
He returned to Germany and played for FC Oberneuland before coming back to the UK. He has had trials with Grimsby Town, AFC Wimbledon and Yeovil Town plus West Brom’s under-23 team.
While Takyi may have to wait for his debut until the National League home match against Dover Athletic, Brandon Burrows is hoping to celebrate his 18th birthday in style.
The Wales youth international is set to be named in Wrexham’s team for their Buildbase FA Trophy tie against Harrogate Town at the Racecourse on Saturday (3pm).
Manager Dean Keates has talked about giving youth a chance in the match with leading Niall Freeman, Brandon Burrows and Doug Tharme leading contenders to be given the nod.
Midfield player Burrows, a former pupil at Chester’s Blacon High School, has come through the academy system at Wrexham A
All three have featured in a Wrexham squad on the bench or playing in cup competitions. Tharme has been named among substitutes and trained with the first team this season, while Burrows made his Wrexham debut in a 1-1 draw against Stamford in the FA Cup last season.
Freeman featured heavily in the last two pre-season campaigns.
Wrexham are third in the Vanarama National League and promotion is their priority, while Harrogate are third in the National League North.
The two clubs have never met before and Wrexham go into the game having earned only one win in their last three games.
They were beaten 4-1 at Macclesfield last time out, while Harrogate’s scheduled fixture at Nuneaton Town was postponed because the pitch was frozen.
The Yorkshire club have lost once in their last four games and drew 2-2 against Kidderminster Harriers in their last game. They have already featured in the FA Trophy this season, travelling to Darlington 1883 and sealing an impressive 3-2 victory.
The danger man for the visitors will be Simon Ainge, Harrogate’s defender turned striker.
Ainge, a former Bradford City and Halifax Town player, switched to attack over the last couple of seasons and has netted more than 30 goals for Town including 11 in the league this season.
Wrexham could rest Sam Wedgebury, who missed the game at Macclesfield with a minor injury.
The Dragons are unbeaten in their last 11 home fixtures and have conceded the least home league goals in the National League, while Harrogate are National League North top scorers.
Harrogate boss Simon Weaver will be without Dominic Knowles and Jack Emmett, though both Ryan Fallowfield and Mark Beck are available.
Wrexham have four league fixtures in 10 days over the Christmas period, starting against Dover Athletic at home on Saturday, December 23. The Dragons travel to Barrow on Boxing Day and then go to Gateshead before playing Barrow at home on New Year’s Day.
Manny Smith, a former Gateshead defender who returned to Wrexham last summer, has been outstanding this season.
“I have been lucky enough to play every game this season,” said Smith.
“Whatever team the gaffer puts out, it will be a team he believes will win the game and whoever plays will be going out to win the game.”
Prices for the match are: Adults £10, Over 64’s/U21 £5, Over 80/U18 £1.
If the match is drawn a replay will take place on Tuesday, December 19 at The CNG Stadium (Kick-off 7.45pm).
