DOUG THARME is not fazed by the calibre of players that stand between him and a place in the Wrexham side.

The 18-year-old centre-back was the only scholar offered a professional contract by new Reds' boss Sam Ricketts and he will be part of the first team squad for the 2018-19 campaign.

Tharme began pre-season with Wrexham but then looked set to sign for Barnsley after training with the League One club.

But the move did not materialise and Tharme is pleased to be back at Wrexham.

"The manager has been really good," added Tharme. "He gave me the opportunity to have that space to make a decision because ultimately, your first professional contract is really important.

"It is all about development and I had a great time at Barnsley.

"It didn't work out for whatever reason but I have been welcomed back; it is not like I have been ostracised or anything.

"The lads have been great with me as well so now it is all about moving on, learning from the experiences I have had and kicking on.

"I think this is the best place for me to grow this year and in the future."

Wrexham will be looking to emulate last season's feat of a club record 22 league clean sheets, captain Shaun Pearson, Manny Smith, Kevin Roberts and James Jenning forming the back-line for the majority of the 46 games.

It represents a huge ask for Tharme to oust the experienced quartet and make the Wrexham line-up but he is just looking forward to continuing his development and learning from them.

"I relish that," said Tharme. "As a defender, I feel like I can play across the line.

"You are training against four players who kept 22 clean sheets so you are ultimately playing against what has been the best defence in Wrexham's history.

"There's not a fear I can get in the team but I know regardless of whether I play or not, I will keep developing through training and learning from four top players, and the gaffer who was a defender himself.

"I will take every opportunity that I get to impress and show that I can play at this level and with this team.

"In training I will ask questions and remain interested in developing because if something happens whereby I am needed, then I need to be able to step up.

"Give me enough time with these lads I will be good enough."

Tharme was delighted to win a first professional contract after completing his scholarship at The Racecourse.

"I think I progressed well as a scholar," said Tharme, who made his first team debut in December's FA Trophy first round defeat to Harrogate Town.

"I was more involved with the first team last year and I gained more of an appreciation for the physicality needed, that just added to the drive that I had to compete with all the scholars and the first team.

"You don't sign a scholarship just to pretend to be a footballer for two years, you do it as a gateway into the game.

"Obviously being rewarded with a contract at the end showed that what I was doing was being seen and appreciated by the club.

"I can't thank them enough for giving the opportunity and I will do everything I can to pay them back for it."