LEWIS BRUNT has had to bide his time but Phil Parkinson praised the centre-back for making the most of his big opportunity.

Brunt joined Wrexham in the summer from Leicester City but the 24-year-old has been restricted to cup games and a solitary substitute appearance in League One.

However, Parkinson gave Brunt his full league debut on Saturday against Exeter City at The Racecourse and the defender produced a superb performance, helping the Reds secure a 3-0 win to move up to second place in the table.

Brunt, set to keep his place in the side for tonight's home game with Lincoln City, has had to play a waiting game but the Reds' boss hailed his professionalism.

"Brunty has waited patiently for his chance," said Parkinson, who secured the services of the player despite interest from Mansfield Town where he enjoyed a successful loan spell last season.

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"It's always frustrating when you come to a new club, but he came to us with with an injury so he was always a bit behind in pre-season.

"We competed with clubs for his signature, he's trained hard and we've had a lot of chats with him about being a bit frustrated, but he's handled it the right way and he's done really well when he's been called upon in the cup games. 

"He took his chance so well on Saturday and I'm very pleased for him."

Brunt helped Wrexham get back to winning ways following the 1-0 defeat at Stockport the previous weekend.

"We had real control and I think that was very important for us to get back at it and put in a performance like we've done earlier in the season," added Parkinson.