Wrexham's Whiteman admits extended break was tough

Ben Whiteman has played every minute of the last seven Wrexham games [Getty Images] Wrexham midfielder Ben Whiteman admitted the extended international break was more difficult than he first imagined. Summer signing Whiteman felt something was missing when coming into training without a game to look forward to at the end of the last three weeks. And though it afforded him an opportunity to recover after a succession of lengthy away trips, the 30-year-old is itching to return to Championship action. "I found it, surprisingly, quite tough, actually," experienced midfielder Whiteman admitted prior to Saturday's trip to Derby County. "You train to play, really. When you get that amount of time off, you're itching to get back for the next game." Wrexham baffled by latest Cacace setback Time to draw line through Spygate - Parkinson Wrexham's Kop: The project matching the club's rise The Rochdale-born defensive midfielder explained he finds it tough when there is not a game on the immediate horizon. "The first week was a lot of resting. The travel we have had to do over the past few months was strange, really. "I'm a big believer in training for the game on the weekend, or a midweek game a Tuesday or Wednesday night. "I love the tactical side of the game, preparing a game plan. "But it's part and parcel of the job. You get on with it, and now we have a big game on the weekend." Wrexham head to Derby buoyed by their last-gasp win over Southampton, even though that result will be 21-days-old by the time they kick off at Pride Park. Whiteman insisted that the victory over Saints, who he feels are one of the top sides in the division, cannot be overstated heading into another crucial block of Championship fixtures. Wrexham first head to Derby before back-to-back home games against West Brom (Tuesday, 13 October) and Whiteman's former club Preston (Saturday, 17 October). Ben Whiteman made 224 appearances at Preston before joining Wrexham [Getty Images] You will, though, not catch the former Lilywhites skipper looking past Saturday's trip to Derby, nor reflecting on his start to life in north Wales. "You have to take it one step at a time. It's a three-game week, and we have to look to get maximum points if we want to be successful," he added. "Derby have got some good players and a really experienced manager for the level. We know it's going to be a tough game. "There is no easy game in the Championship, and we will go there full of confidence, especially after beating one of the top sides in the league." He is also quick to play down his own role and focus on the collective. "I'm not a massive believer in individuals, to be brutally honest. I don't really care, as long as we win a game," Whiteman said. "We all want the same thing, and that's to be promoted out of this division. I'm much more concerned about how we are doing as a team. "That win over Southampton was massive for us and our confidence. It was really needed." Latest Wrexham news, analysis and fan views Listen to Wrexham interviews, news and discussion on BBC Sounds