NO-ONE’S more disappointed than Max Cleworth that Wrexham’s involvement in the EFL Trophy is over but the centre-back will be raring to go if he gets his chance in the league during the busy festive period.

Cleworth has found opportunities limited this season, making just six appearances in all competitions.

Four of those have come in the EFL Trophy with the 21-year-old starting wins in the group stages against Newcastle United under 21s, Crewe Alex and Port Vale before lining up in defence for last Tuesday’s 3-2 home defeat to Burton Albion in the second round.

A poor start, where the League One side scored twice in the opening three minutes, proved costly in the end despite Phil Parkinson’s side making a fight of it as Wrexham bowed out of the competition.

“I am disappointed to lose,” said Cleworth. “We were caught cold in the first few minutes, a lot of us have not played for a while.

“I think we reacted really well after that and we were probably the better team against what was a strong Burton team.

“It was always going to be difficult but it is frustrating to be out of the EFL Trophy.

“I have had some good minutes in it but we move on to the Christmas period.”

Parkinson utilised his squad in the EFL Trophy, resting players who had been featuring regularly in the league and giving others - like Cleworth - much needed game-time.

Despite a number of centre-backs picking up injuries, Cleworth has only made two other appearances this season.

He started the League Cup first round penalty shoot-out win against Wigan Athletic in August while his only minutes in League Two came as a substitute in the 2-1 home success over Doncaster Rovers on September 9.

Cleworth is frustrated by the lack of game-time in the league but he has taken it on the chin with Wrexham flying high and will be ready if and when he is called upon for forthcoming fixtures.

“It has been a bit of a frustrating time for me and probably a few others but that is part and parcel of football,” said the defender, who was in the squad before Saturday’s game at Forest Green Rovers was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

“You might not be in the squad and you just have to keep training and hope your chance will come.

“It has for a few lads and some it hasn’t. Obviously the competition for places is even higher this year than it ever has been.

“I would like to think I could have had a chance but it hasn’t come and I just kept working hard.

“You get frustrated but that is football, the gaffer can only put 11 players out there and the quality of the lads and how well they have been doing, you are not going to change that.

“I will just keep working hard and see what happens.

“Everyone knows what the Christmas period is like, the games come thick and fast; hopefully we can take maximum points but I am sure we will need the full squad to do that.”