SEEING Max Cleworth's name on the team-sheet at Charlton Athletic came as a surprise to many and even the centre-back admits he didn't expect to be back so soon.

The 22-year-old, a two-time young player of the season award winner, damaged ankle ligaments in the goalless draw at Leyton Orient on September 28.

But just four weeks later, and having missed only four League One games, Cleworth was named in the team for Saturday's 2-2 draw with Charlton at The Valley.

"I feared the first when it happened but it was just a twist and thankfully no-one's weight went through it, and the scan results weren't too bad," said Cleworth, who is set to keep his place in the side for Sunday's FA Cup first round tie against League Two outfit Harrogate Town at Wetherby Road.

"I waited a week for the swelling to come down because my foot and ankle went really big, and I have got the physio team to thank. 

"All the staff managed to speed up the recovery and I was close to being fit for Huddersfield last Tuesday.

"I did the warm-up and probably wasn't quite ready but it was great to be back out there on Saturday."

Cleworth was ever-present when he was forced off at Orient and in excellent form in the opening eight league matches, also weighing in with three goals.

"It was a bit of a kick in the teeth because I was playing well but credit to Dan Scarr, he has come in and done well, and kept that momentum going," said Cleworth.

"I only missed four league games and the international break helped because it gave me two weeks to speed up the process which we managed to do."

Wrexham produced a brilliant display against the Addicks and were heading for a second away win in a row but Alan Dale, who was fourth official but replaced injured referee Sam Purkiss in the opening half, awarded a dubious penalty which was converted in the seventh minute of injury time.

"The whole performance from the first minute to maybe the 94th minute and 30 seconds was really good.

"We dominated the game and had the much better chances.

"It was a really good away performance and I thought I played well personally which was nice."

Dale felt Cleworth had handled Miles Leaburn’s header in the area and Matty Godden converted the penalty to deny Wrexham victory, with Phil Parkinson's side now third in the table.

Cleworth protested his innocence, adding: "I don't think there was anything I could do.

"I have seen it back and my arm is by my side but the referee has given it.

"The referee said I intentionally played the ball which would be madness to do in that moment.

"It is come up at an awkward height, my arm is by my side and obviously I am going to react, and he has given it.

"It is a tough job for him as well but I feel he was desperate to give it. I have got to move on from it."