CHRIS MAXWELL is as determined as ever to keep giving manager Dean Saunders a selection headache when he returns from international duty.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper admits he has endured a frustrating start to the season after Saunders made summer signing Scott Shearer his first choice shot-stopper.

But after seeing Wrexham leak nine goals in three matches, Saunders revealed he had a tough decision regarding who would line up between the posts for Saturday’s clash with Barrow which ended 1-1.

Shearer got the nod but Maxwell is not content with sitting on the sidelines and has vowed to continue giving Saunders a selection dilemma.

“I just have to make sure that every time I play, I play well which is what I have done,” said Maxwell, who didn’t even make the bench for yesterday’s win at Bath City.

“It is up to the manager to make his decision.

“Obviously I expressed how confident I was that I was going to start the season.
“The manager hasn’t done that but he is the manager and he makes the decisions.

“I can only do what I can do, and make sure I perform when I do get the chance, and when I play for the reserves and in training. I have just got to keep going.”

Maxwell added: “It is a frustrating time for me at the moment because I feel I am doing well. The manager has got to make his decision and stick by it.

“I am going away with Wales now, it might be different when I come back.

“I will do everything possible to make sure the manager has to make a decision like that every week.

“As soon as I stop trying and stop putting the effort in then that is it. I am trying to make his mind up for him.”

Shearer came in for criticism for his performance in last Tuesday’s 2-2 draw against Kidderminster Harriers, and Saunders was disappointed with some of the abuse aimed at the former Coventry City, Bristol Rovers and Wycombe Wanderers custodian.

And although he is in competition with Shearer, Maxwell has backed his rival.

“I said to Scott myself that it was out of order what happened,” said Maxwell. “I think he is a brilliant goalkeeper and he is one of my mates.

“But fans are going to be fans at the end of the day, they have got their own opinions. They pay their money so they can express it.

“I did feel for Scott but he bounced back and did alright against Barrow on Saturday.”

Maxwell has joined up with the Wales under 21 squad for their European Championship qualifiying double header against Hungary and Italy, meaning he will miss Wrexham’s trip to Newport County on Sunday.

Hoping he is selected by manager Brian Flynn for the crucial qualifiers, Maxwell wants to help Wales qualify for next summer’s final.

“I’m always proud to play for Wales,” said Maxwell. “To get called-up is a big thing, to actually play is even bigger.

“I am looking forward to getting away and hopefully playing. I have been number one for this campaign but I am not taking anything for granted.

“I will make sure I go there in the best possible shape, make sure I train well and give Brian Flynn no option but to play me.

“Hopefully I play the two games and make sure we qualify.”