CHRIS MAXWELL admitted he was ‘devastated’ to be left out of the side as Wrexham returned to action following their weather enforced break.
Wales under 21 international Maxwell started 21 consecutive matches in all competitions after replacing Sam Russell who dislocated an elbow in the defeat against Kettering on August 22.
After spending more than three months on the sidelines, Russell was given a much needed run-out by manager Dean Saunders in Wrexham’s two FA Trophy ties against Altrincham in December.
Eight successive matches were subsequently postponed because of the weather and Wrexham finally returned to action following a 39-day break when they beat AFC Wimbledon 1-0 on Saturday.
Russell was selected ahead of Maxwell and the 19-year-old cut a disappointed figure.
“I kept ten clean sheets in 21 starts this season so it was disappointing to be left out on Saturday,” said Maxwell.
“I am devastated. I think I did enough to keep my place in the team and thought I would have played against Wimbledon.
“I feel I have done really well, I could not have done any more. But at the end of the day it is the manager’s decision.
“As long as it gets us in the play-offs I won’t have a problem with it.”
Russell, man of the match in last night’s 0-0 draw against Rushden & Diamonds, began the campaign as Saunders’ first choice shot-stopper following his summer move from Rochdale.
And while Russell currently has the gloves, Maxwell is determined to win his place back in the team between now and the end of the season.
“I will just keep my head down now, work hard and go again,” said Maxwell. “I want to get back in the team and take my chance again.
“The run I had in the side did me a world of good. I improved as a goalkeeper and came on leaps and bounds.
“Hopefully I get another opportunity during the season. I have been enjoying my football at Wrexham this season.”
Despite the competition between the pair for a place in the Wrexham team, Maxwell, one of four players out of contract in the summer to be offered a new deal by Saunders, remains on good terms with Russell.
“Sam is a good goalkeeper and we are still friends no matter what happens,” added Maxwell.
“He was friends when I was in the team and it is the same now. There is no problem there.”