FRANK SINCLAIR is happy to once again to answer manager Dean Saunders’ call and operate at left-back when Wrexham face Altrincham at Moss Lane tomorrow (3pm).
The 38-year-old former Chelsea defender has been used as a full-back for the last two matches against AFC Wimbledon and Rushden and he is more than willing to keep filling in on the left.
“When I first broke into the team at Chelsea, my first two seasons were at left-back,” said Sinclair. “I went on to play in my favourite position in the middle, and on the right as well.
“Managers know I am adaptable and can do a job anywhere across the back line, it does not bother me.
“The important thing is I am playing and if it helps the team doing a shift at left-back then great. I have played two games there and we have kept two clean sheets so it has worked out well.”
Sinclair, a veteran of more than 500 league appearances, almost opened his goalscoring account for Wrexham at Rushden on Tuesday but his close range effort struck the inside of the post, and then the underside of the bar.
“That would have been my first goal for Wrexham, I normally get one at least one for every club I have been at,” said Sinclair.
“There was not long to go, the two centre-backs did not want to go up so I did. You never know what might happen.
“If fell for me, it was a tight angle and it I got a good connection, but could not get it inside the net.
“I was a bit unfortunate. It would have been a great end. I think we deserved to win based on chances and possession.”
While his main objective is to keep the opposition out, Sinclair said: “We have got a big side and I don’t get forward as much at centre-back. But there is the opportunity to get forward more playing left-back.”
After picking up a calf injury at the start of December, Sinclair missed Wrexham’s FA Trophy ties against Altrincham but did not miss a league match as they were all postponed because of the weather.
“I worked hard in the gym for three weeks and only missed the two cup games,” he said.
“I was ready to play when the weather was still bad, and I feel stronger and fitter than when I first got injured.”
Wrexham have a backlog of fixtures to wade through because of their lengthy break but Sinclair believes that can work to the Reds’ advantage as they aim to climb the Blue Square Premier table.
“We want to win as many games as we can. If you are keeping clean sheets it gives you a great opportunity and base to play off,” said Sinclair.
“There are a lot of games coming up but players would rather be playing than training. It is a heavy schedule but if we can get on a run and keep picking up points it can work in our favour.”
Sinclair has been offered a one year extension to his contract, which ends in the summer, and he is ready to put pen to paper.
“Hopefully I can get it sorted as soon as possible because I want to stay,” added Sinclair.
Reds boss Saunders knows he can depend on Sinclair and said: “Frank can play anywhere and his experience, organisation and talking is vital to us.”
While Sinclair has helped shore up Wrexham’s defence, the Reds have only found the back of the net 22 times in 24 league outings, but Saunders insists his side are not negative in their play.
“Don Revie said get your back four right and work from there,” said Saunders. “And we have made great strides defensively.
“We have matched all the top teams but we have still got to do better in front of goal. Chances went begging again on Tuesday.
“We have not scored enough goals but it is not like we are set-up defensively. We have two up front, and the widemen are encouraged to get forward and into the box.
“Hopefully we can beat Altrincham tomorrow and make it seven points this week.”