Wrexham coach Phil Parkinson is confident that Steven Fletcher will make an impact when he returns after undergoing knee surgery this week.

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Fletcher had knee operationSet for spell on sidelinesParkinson backed him to returnWHAT HAPPENED?

Fletcher had a successful operation on his right knee and faces a long period on the sidelines as he begins his recovery.

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The former Burnley, Wolves and Scotland striker joined Wrexham in a free transfer in September and has since scored twice in 10 matches for the League Two side.

Parkinson says the striker's knee had been causing problems for the 36-year-old for some time, but he still wanted to play for the Welsh side and has been backed to play a key role once he is fit again.

WHAT THEY SAID

"We knew Fletch's knee was coming to the point where he needed an operation," Parkinson said. "He's subsequently had his operation this week and he's going to have a spell out. But he couldn't carry on the way he was going. He was putting himself up for selection, but his knee was swelling up after each game and he needed a clean out.

"We'll be looking forward when he returns and he'll be firing all cylinders. The impact when he's come off the bench has been exceptional. His personality has been really good around the training ground. When youngers strikers in the group see Fletch out at the end practising his finishing and working on aspects of his game, he's a great role model."

GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

While Fletcher recovers from his injury, Wrexham will take on Mansfield in the FA Cup on Saturday and continue their efforts to win promotion from League Two.