LEWIS BRUNT had to play a waiting game until he got his big chance but the centre-back insists he never let his head drop and always remained committed to the cause.

Brunt joined Wrexham in the summer from Leicester City but the 24-year-old found chances limited in the first few months of the season when he was restricted to playing in cup games and a solitary substitute appearance in League One.

However, Phil Parkinson gave Brunt his full league debut 10 days ago against Exeter City at The Racecourse and the defender produced an accomplished performance in the 3-0 win, earning him another start for the 1-0 home victory over Lincoln City last Tuesday.

Although frustrated not to get more game-time earlier in the campaign, Brunt - set to keep his place for tonight’s visit of Barnsley - understood the situation with Wrexham flying high in the third tier and he always gave his all when he played and every day in training.

“I’ve been biding my time and I’m just happy to be on the pitch,” said Brunt, who enjoyed a successful loan spell last season with Mansfield who were promoted from League Two alongside the Reds.

“I had to be patient because the lads have been doing so well and that’s fully understandable. 

“When I did play, I just tried to do my best and tried to put on a performance for the team and for the gaffer and the fans.

“I give it everything I can in training every single day. I don’t let it get to me. I work as hard as I can every day and have just been patient but it’s good to get on the pitch.”

Brunt, who scored his first Wrexham goal in the 3-0 win against Wolves under 21s in an EFL Trophy group game in October, was delighted to finally play in front of a bumper crowd at The Racecourse when he lined up as the left-sided centre-back against Exeter and Lincoln.

“Even in the EFL Trophy, it’s a special place to be at the minute,” he said. “Having it bouncing and playing with a full house is really good, I have enjoyed it.”

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There’s no shortage of competition in the centre-back department with Brunt up against the likes of Max Cleworth, Eoghan O’Connell, Dan Scarr, Tom O’Connor and Will Boyle.

It’s the same in every position and Brunt feels having competition for places has contributed to Wrexham’s excellent start to the season.

“If you look around the dressing room, every single player can come in and put on a performance,” said Brunt.

“It’s that competition which is probably driving us up the league, having a squad of players that can all come in and play. 

“If you do get on the pitch, it’s about taking your chance and trying to stay in the team.”

Wrexham  are second in the table going into tonight's clash with sixth-placed Barnsley at The Racecourse and Brunt feels the lofty position is justified. 

“It’s been a fantastic start,” said the defender.

“The performances since the start of the season have been second to none and where we are in the league shows that so long may that continue.”