LUKE BOLTON is relishing his first pre-season with Wrexham where he get to play games in USA for the first time since his Manchester City days.

The wing-back arrived at The Racecourse on winter transfer deadline day from Salford City and he helped the Reds finish runners-up in League Two, securing a second promotion in a row for the first time in the club's history.

During his two years with the Ammies, who are owned by the Class of '92 - a group of former Manchester United players - Bolton went overseas as part of the build up to a new football campaign but never crossed the pond.

Phil Parkinson's side today set off on the three-game tour to North America which kicks-off against AFC Bournemouth in Santa Barbara this Saturday, with Wrexham also facing Chelsea in Santa Clara on Wednesday July 24 before moving on to Canada for the first time to face Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place on Saturday July 27. 

Bolton, who came through the ranks at Premier League giants City and played alongside the likes of Jadon Sancho, Brahim Diaz and Phil Foden in the youth set-up, is excited to be on the trip as Wrexham continue preparing for the new League One season which kicks-off at home to Wycombe Wanderers on August 10.

"When I was with Salford we went to Spain but I didn't go to the States," said Bolton.

"I went when I was younger with Manchester City and it was a class experience out there, a bit surreal.

"It is going to be good but you have to work hard while you are out there.

"You are not on holiday, you are there to work and prepare for League One.

"I am looking forward to it. The tour will be good.

"We are playing some big teams out there and I am sure the fans will come in their thousands.

"I will be a great experience and we'll get more games under out belt."

Bolton, who made 17 league appearances after joining the Reds, believes having his first pre-season as a Wrexham player will give him a chance to further impress Parkinson

"I think it is a bit different. You are able to make more of a mark," added Bolton.

"The gaffer can see you in non-competitive games in pre-season and can test you."

Wrexham's pre-season programme began with a 5-1 win against Hanley Town at Potteries Park on Saturday.

Parkinson named two different sides for the clash with the Northern Premier League Division One West outfit and Bolton played the second half when Wrexham, 1-0 up at the break, pulled away from their hosts.

"It was good to get 45 minutes in the legs with two different teams in each half," added Bolton.

"I think everyone was happy with it and we got what we needed.

"I enjoyed it, it was good to be back out there.

"We scored some good goals. I played the second half, Hanley might have been tiring but you can only play against what you are playing against and some of the finishing was great."