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TRINIDADIAN Josh Johnson has warned his Wrexham colleagues to guard against Boston's desperation to retain their league status.


The winger believes second-bottom Boston will see today's York Street contest as a huge opportunity to reduce the six-point gap between themselves and Denis Smith's Red Dragons.

He said, "They are going to play their hearts out and we have to be ready to match them.

"That's always how it is when you play teams in their position."

Johnson was initially confined to the bench following his arrival from Trinidadian club San Juan Jabloteh earlier this season.

But he has enjoyed a run of four consecutive starts following an injury to midfield colleague Matty Done.

The 25-year-old admits it took time for him to adapt to life in North Wales and he was not surprised to be restricted to cameo roles.

"I was just settling in, so not being in the team didn't bother me too much," he said.

"I had to get used to the country and the weather, and all these things take time."

But Johnson believes he has contributed to a recent upturn in results that has seen the Dragons win four of their last eight games.

And, with Done back in the squad today, Johnson knows he faces a fight for his place, though he is desperate to add to recent starts.

"We're getting good results now and I've seen myself making a difference to the team," he said. "I want to continue giving my best."

And Johnson maintains Wrexham have the quality to continue their steady progress, particularly with the striking trio of Juan Ugarte, Lee McEvilly and Neil Roberts close to full fitness.

"I think we can keep up the level of performance we have shown lately," he said.

"If we do that we should move back up the table.

"Having so many players coming back is going to be good for the manager because it creates competition.

"And when there is competition the players put in good performances."

Smith agreed the readjustment involved in uprooting to a new country has meant Johnson has had a slow start to his Wrexham career.

But he said, "You can see he's got talent, but he's had a lot to get used to since coming here.

"He has been living in a hotel since getting married last summer.

"He's moved to a new country and started training full-time. It's taken its toll on him.

"He's had a couple of good games and a couple of average games, but as long as he puts his shift in that's OK."

Star midfielder Mark Jones has recovered from a bout of illness to figure today, while Roberts (knee) has also been included in the squad.

But McEvilly (chest infection) has been ruled out and Darren Ferguson (illness) is doubtful.

Boston striker Drewe Broughton, who is on-loan from Chester City, is likely to return after being refused permission to play in a 3-1 midweek defeat to Mark Wright's team.