PAUL Carden says using Jack Mackreth as a central striker is “a definite option” for Warrington Town this season.

Mackreth is a winger by trade but started Monday’s 0-0 friendly draw with Accrington Stanley up front alongside Tony Gray.

Carden already has Josh Amis and Connor McCarthy at his disposal as attacking options but did not rule out using 27-year-old Mackreth as a striker when the BetVictor Premier Division season starts.

“It’s definitely an option for us. His pace is frightening,” he said.

“With the quality of centre-halves Accrington had playing for them, I knew it would be a good test for Jack in that role.

“If we do look to play with Jack running in behind and Tony Gray a little bit deeper, we will still have the balance of Alex Byrne and Jack Dunn on the flanks.”

With Gray seemingly a certainty to start the opening game against Morpeth Town on August 18 if fit, the race is on to partner him in attack.

McCarthy scored just two goals in a difficult campaign on and off the field last term, but Carden says he has responded well to the challenge he laid down to him when pre-season began.

Warrington Guardian:

Connor McCarthy. Picture by John Hopkins

“I’ve laid a bit of a challenge down to Connor to up his game rather than just being happy to be here and be on the bench,” he said.

“To be fair to him, he’s risen to that so far. I thought he was excellent when he came on against Accrington.

“He put himself about and he was more like the player I know he is.

“He’s had a bad six or seven months with losing his Dad.

“We’ve given him that, but now his time.”

Monday’s stalemate at Cantilever Park followed a 7-1 thrashing of Wythenshawe Town on Saturday as Yellows’ preparations for the new season continue.

They face two away friendlies this week, with short trips to face Widnes tomorrow, Friday, and Litherland REMYCA on Wednesday.