Phil Parkinson lauded the impact of Ben Sheaf following the midfielder's performance in Wrexham's win against Southampton.

The midfielder has been absent due to a combination of calf, knee and shoulder issues but made his first start since February against the Saints.

Speaking after the 2-1 victory, Parkinson revealed the coaching staff have been carefully planning Sheaf's route back to full match fitness over recent days.

"Ben Sheaf, I'm so pleased with him today," said Parkinson.

"We looked at the data, the medical team and the sports science team did a presentation about where he was physically and comparing to the last time he played his first full game against Norwich away.

"We felt it was comparable for 60-65 minutes and he showed what a class player he is."

Ollie Rathbone and Danny Imray were both absent from the matchday squad for the contest with Tonda Eckert's side.

Parkinson confirmed Rathbone is sidelined with an ankle issue while Imray was left out as a precautionary measure after his hamstring tightened up in midweek.