Depth & transfers - Wrexham's squad state of play

Wrexham were once again the entertainers as they edged a five-goal thriller with Preston North End to reach the EFL Cup third round for the first time in 44 years.

But the 3-2 win also highlighted the major squad overhaul that has taken place over recent months at the rapidly rising team.

Victory at Deepdale came after Phil Parkinson completely changed his starting 11 - with fringe players being given the chance to impress.

With less than a week to go until the summer transfer window closes, BBC Sport Wales looks at the shape of the Wrexham squad following what has been a hectic period in the market so far.

Ins:

Ryan Hardie, Danny Ward, Liberato Cacace, George Thomason, Josh Windass, Lewis O'Brien, Conor Coady, Kieffer Moore, Nathan Broadhead and Callum Doyle.

Outs:

Sam Dalby, Mark Howard, Steven Fletcher, Jordan Davies, Will Boyle, Luke McNicholas, Luke Bolton, Jack Marriott, Paul Mullin (loan), Jake Bickerstaff (loan), Mo Faal (loan), Seb Revan (loan) and Callum Edwards (loan).

Despite being drastically different to what fans have seen in so far this season, Wrexham's staring line-up at Deepdale ironically had a more familiar feel to it.

Arthur Okonkwo, Dan Scarr, Eoghan O'Connell, Elliot Lee, George Evans, Ryan Barnett and Jacob Mendy were all pivotal in the club's rise up the divisions and played from the outset.

Scarr made the most clearances of any player on the pitch (12) while Barnett made 10 as well as three tackles and an interception, according to football statistics website WhoScored.com.

Okonkwo produced a stunning save to keep out Michael Smith's curling effort in an encouraging display from the 23-year-old goalkeeper.

Callum Doyle made his debut after his move from Manchester City and made a telling contribution during his hour on the pitch with a key pass, winning fouls, clearances, blocks and crosses.

"I'd like to make a special mention to Callum Doyle, he was terrific for us," said Parkinson.

"His passing from the back at times was real quality. He showed what he's all about tonight."

In stark contrast to Saturday's frustrating draw with Sheffield Wednesday - Wrexham improved in the second-half against Preston having been under the cosh after conceding the second goal on 32 minutes.

Prior to the contest, Harry Ashfield spoke of his desire to play "as many games as possible" this season - and the 19-year-old did his Championship selection hopes no harm as he grew in confidence after the restart, scoring a crucial equaliser.

For all of Wrexham's signings, it is refreshing to see academy product Ashfield feature.

"Harry Ash deserves to be in and around the squad because he trains well every day with quality. He's a great lad and he gets better all the time time," said Parkinson.

"He was up against Alfie Devine who is valued at a lot of money and a highly-thought of young player.

"I told him before the game, 'what a test for you tonight. Afterwards, can the press be speaking about Harry Ashfield and not Alfie Devine?' and over the 90 minutes he did that."

Up front, Sam Smith and Ryan Hardie showed moments of promise.

Hardie scored his first goal for the club with a sublime equaliser that he modestly described as "decent" but was hailed by the manager for his "top class" movement.

Hardie said: "The more the merrier up front. If we can all chip in with the goals, it means the club's only going to go in one direction."

Parkinson made five substitutions in the final half hour and that boldness and extra quality reaped maximum rewards as Moore netted a third goal in two games.

"The impact from the bench was brilliant, that's something we've been speaking to the group about," said the manager.

"So far this season, other teams have impacted (from the bench) better than we have. Tonight, the changes gave us a lift when we needed it."

More encouraging is that Liberato Cacace, George Thomason, Josh Windass, Nathan Broadhead, Andy Cannon, Jay Rodriguez and Ollie Rathbone are all to come back from injury.

Parkinson remains eager to further bolster his squad prior to Monday's transfer deadline and could made additions before Saturday's trip to Millwall (15:00 BST).

Wales midfielder Jordan James has been heavily linked with a move to the Stok Cae Ras from French side Rennes but he may need to offload players to do so.

Tellingly, striker Ollie Palmer - who netted two late goals in the first round against Hull City - was omitted Tuesday night's squad.

But left wing-back Jacob Mendy returned having seemingly been destined to leave so could he yet remain with Wrexham.

As has been the case at the club over recent years, the remaining days and hours of the window are unlikely to be dull.