MAX CLEWORTH has been in and out of the team in recent months but the young defender is pleased with his contribution in Wrexham's title challenge.

The centre-back enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough campaign in 2021-22 which culminated in the 20-year-old scooping the Young Player of the Season award.

A product of the club’s youth academy, Cleworth made his league debut on the opening day of the season at Solihull Moors and was a regular in the side from the end of January after Harry Lennon sustained a back injury.

Although Cleworth kept summer signing Jordan Tunnicliffe out of the side at the start of the current campaign, he was given a breather by Reds' boss Phil Parkinson and has been restricted to eight league and cup appearances since the 7-5 win against Barnet on October 8.

Parkinson recently bolstered his defensive options with the addition of Eoghan O'Connell from Charlton Athletic but has still shown plenty of faith in Cleworth who was in the side for the superb 4-3 FA Cup third round win at Coventry City and also began the 3-1 defeat to Championship high-fliers Sheffield United in the fourth round replay.

There was another place in the starting XI for Saturday's 4-3 win at Aldershot Town which kept second placed Wrexham on the tails of Notts County in the push for automatic promotion.

Cleworth accepts the competition for places in Wrexham's back-line means he is not guaranteed to be involved but says he still has a huge part to play in the quest for success.

"It was nice to be back in the team against Aldershot," said Cleworth.

"It is frustrating when you are not in the team but that's natural.

"We have got some very good centre-halves at this football club so it is always going to be difficult.

"I feel like I have already contributed this season and I will continue to contribute.

"I would like to think I have shown my ability and shown that I can be part of this team.

"Hopefully I keep learning and improving, but the main thing is where the team ends up so hopefully we will be at the top at the end of the season."