Having started the season in the starting eleven, Brown has missed the last three matches because of a groin strain and is battling to be fit for Saturday's trip to leaders Salisbury.

Evans has taken the place of Brown but will definitely be absent when Wrexham make the trip to Cambridge United on Saturday week (September 6) because he will be on international duty with Wales, who begin their World Cup qualifying campaign with a double header against Azerbaijan and Russia.

And Little is eager for Brown to prove his fitness and give options in the heart of defence when Wrexham will be without Evans.

"Steve is going away soon so that's a dilemma," said Little today.

"We are just trying to make sure we are okay for after this weekend.

"Nat had a bit of a setback last week, it was not right and it has put his recovery back a bit. We know what we might and might not have for certain periods. We are trying to get everything in place but we have to be careful with Nat."

Another centre-back, Mike Williams, will also be missing at highflying Cambridge as he will be trying to help Wales under 21's win their final European under 21 Championship qualifier in Romania and seal their place in the play-offs.

But Wrexham will not be affected by the news that two other players could be representing their country next month.

Full-back Carl Tremarco has been selected to represent the England C team in a friendly with Bosnia and Herzegovina which will be played in Sarajevo on Tuesday, September 16. Reds' team-mate, centre-back Darran Kempson, who has played at that level before, is on stand by.

Tremarco would link up with Paul Fairclough's squad for the under 23 level fixture on Sunday, September 14, two days after his partner is due to give birth, and the left-back has admitted there is a doubt over his participation with England.

But the pair would not miss any Wrexham matches, to the delight of Little.

"It is in line with our league so that won't affect us," said Little. "I am pleased for Carl and he hopes it comes off, and Darran has played there before. It is their reward for playing well."

Ask Brian

If you have a question for Brian Little email it to digitalnews@nwn.co.uk and we'll ask as many as we can during our next video interview with the Reds boss this Thursday.