Obi hoping for contract
Wrexham FC's Obi Anoruo today spoke about his hopes for the rest of the season.
The 17-year-old striker has been a prolific scorer for Wrexham FC's youth team this term, netting 26 goals in all competitions, to give the young Reds an excellent chance of lifting the Youth Alliance title.
That rich vein of form has led to first team recognition with Anoruo featuring in Dean Saunders' squad over the last few games, and the second year trainee is hoping he can take the next step and earn a first professional contract at The Racecourse.
"You want to play as high as you can - for the first team - so hopefully I get more games this season and score my first goal," said Anoruo.
"I'm looking for a professional contract. Nothing has been said yet, but fingers crossed I get one.
"I would like to be another one of the likes of Matty Done and Simon Spender coming through and make a name for myself.
"I want more games, get my first goal and the youth team to win the league. I want to get a contract and be top scorer at the club - I would have a happy summer then!"
Anoruo made his first team debut in October when Wrexham were beaten 2-0 by Eastwood Town in their FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay.
Injury to Marc Williams gave the Nigerian-born striker another chance and he made substitute appearances against Forest Green, Woking and Northwich Victoria earlier this month before he was handed a second Reds start in Monday's 1-0 defeat at home to Kidderminster Harriers.
And Anoruo - in his second year at Wrexham after having trials at various other clubs - has enjoyed his run in the first team.
"Joey Jones has been behind me from day one. He and Stuart Webber had been singing my praises to Dean Saunders so I was waiting for a call-up again after Eastwood," said Anoruo. "I thought if I did well I'd get my chance again.
"The gaffer has done a lot for me and said I was in the squad against Forest Green, and I was delighted to come on.
"Woking was unexpected. We were training on the Friday and he said I was travelling down. That was nice, and I was happy to come on again. I thought I had a better run-out.
"I got half-an-hour at Northwich and we won while I was on the pitch. My run took away a defender to give Nathan Fairhurst room for a shot, and he scored.
"I played for about five minutes with Matt Jansen and I was disappointed he came off. I would love to play with someone of his quality. Hopefully he can set me up and I score!"
Anoruo was disappointed not to have scored in a one-on-one with the Kidderminster goalkeeper on Monday but he has vowed to score goals.
"The gaffer said he was going to make changes for fresh legs and he went with Jefferson Louis and me in attack," said Anoruo. "It was great to get 90 minutes, and it was even better being at home. But it was disappointing we did not win after conceding a sloppy goal.
"I thought I did well and nearly got a goal. But I was disappointed not to score as I normally take them. The keeper did well, although maybe I should have gone for the chip.
"I will get another scoring chance and will show Wrexham fans what I am made of. I am quick, I know where the goal is and can score."
The euphoria of his debut at Eastwood last year was tinged with sadness after Wrexham were dumped out of the FA Cup
One drawback since aiding Wrexham in their play-off bid is that Anoruo has missed the youth team's last two games but he is hoping to help his team-mates - top of the table with three games remaining - lift the title.
"The youth team is doing well. They could be the future of Wrexham and hopefully other players get first team call-ups," added Anoruo. "All the lads are flying, and winning the league would give the fans something back.
"I was gutted to be watching the big game against Burnley last week and wanted to come on. But the lads won and it gave me more confidence for the Kidderminster game.
"I would like to play the last game against Accrington at The Racecourse and it would be good to go into it knowing a win would win us the league.
"I'd be delighted to win it because that's my team, and we've had the likes of Wigan, Preston and Burnley in the division.