LEO SMITH wants to play himself into Wrexham boss Sam Ricketts' plans by having a successful pre-season.

The 20-year-old midfielder made the breakthrough during the 2016-17 campaign, making 20 league appearances and scooping the Young Player of the Year award after signing his first professional contract.

But despite enjoying a productive pre-season, Smith only had seven league outings in 2017-18, the last of which came as a late substitute in the 2-2 draw with Leyton Orient on October 28.

Sam Ricketts has taken over as manager and Smith hopes a decent pre-season will lead to more more opportunities when Wrexham kick-off an 11th campaign in non-league.

"It was a very frustrating season to only play about six or seven times," said Smith.

"It was frustrating thinking you will get a chance, you might get on the bench, but then it doesn't happen.

"What was frustrating was I felt like I could bring something to the team.

"I didn't really get a chance but hopefully this year I can be better than what I did last year and hopefully get more games.

"I scored a couple of goals and got a few assists in pre-season last year.

"I was enjoying football in pre-season and getting games, my confidence was growing every game I was playing.

"Hopefully it will be the same this year."

Opportunities were limited under Dean Keates and Andy Davies, who finished the season as manager, and Smith last appeared in the first team when Wrexham were knocked out of the FA Trophy by Harrogate Town in December.

Forgotten man Smith has hailed the arrival of Ricketts and is looking forward to a fresh start under the former Wales international who has taken up his first management role at The Racecourse.

But should he get his chance then Smith knows it is up to him to take it.

"The gaffer has come in and this is a fresh start for me," said Smith. "Hopefully I can impress in training and in games leading up to the first league game of the season.

"He has spoke about how he wants to play and I think it suits me down to the ground.

"Hopefully I can show what I can do.

"You can put the foundations out how we want to play but it is all down to the players and myself to show that we want to be playing and show that we can suit the formation.

"I feel this season can be a good season."

Ricketts retains the core of the squad that helped Wrexham challenge for promotion last season before a dreadful run-in led to the Reds missing out on the play-offs.

Midfielder Luke Young has joined from Torquay United, with more new signings due to arrive before the big kick-off, and Smith welcomes competition for places.

"It has been brilliant," said Smith, who returned for pre-season training on Monday.

"Most of the lads were here last year but Luke has come and feels part of the squad already, we are all mates.

"The gaffer is looking for a few more players to come in but in any football team, you need a bit of competition.

"You don't want to get too comfortable in any position, everyone needs to work hard to earn their right to play."