DOUG THARME wants to earn plaudits for his defensive displays rather than being a threat with long throw-ins.

The centre-back, who signed his first professional contract in the summer, has come on as a substitute in the last two games.

Having impressed in Wrexham's back-line, Tharme has put long throws into the danger-zone, but the 19-year-old is keen to stress that is not the most important part of his game.

"It is there," said Tharme. "But I have been quite keen to not be known for my long throws.

"I don't want to be known as one of them players who are awful on the ball, awful defensively but we stick him on just because he has got a long throw.

"That is the last thing I want. I think it is something that I will add to my game rather than solely be my game.

"If it is utilised, it is utilised and if it gets me an assist or two over the season, I'll be happy."

Tharme has been given his chance due to injuries sustained by James Jennings and Manny Smith, the Wirral-born defender lining up at right-back and centre-half.

Named as a substitute in all seven games this season by manager Sam Ricketts, Tharme knows he has to do a job when called on.

"The circumstances for me getting the opportunity aren't what you'd wish for," said Tharme. "You never want to see a team-mate go down.

"But we are on the bench to do a job and you are there to be called on.

"With limited defensive cover you have on a five-man bench, you have firstly got to be ready to go on and secondly you need to be versatile.

"I was right-back on Saturday and centre-back on Monday but we have done enough preparation through pre-season and through the week where everyone knows their job.

"It is a well oiled machine how we want to play so you have got to be capable of playing both sides and doing each job."

Tharme believes he has "held his own" in the two matches he has played, Saturday's 2-2 draw against Bromley followed by a first defeat of the season at Solihull Moors 48 hours later, but says is still getting adapting to senior football.

"Personally I would rather have a stinker and we win the game," said Tharme.

"I think I held my own. I was slightly disappointed on Monday with some individual battles but it is the nature of the game.

"I am getting used to playing against physical strikers, getting your arms up and getting involved because when when I was playing youth and being the size I am, put your arms up and you give fouls away left, right and centre.

"The transition between youth and first team football is evident but I will get used to it, and Shaun Pearson, the gaffer and all the lads are giving me enough feedback and advice.

"With as many games as I play, it will get better and better, and I hope performance levels will keep improving."

Tharme could again he needed when Wrexham host Aldershot on Saturday.

"You have got to be ready," said Tharme.

"You are told to play, you know that you are trusted and you have got to repay the faith so I hope to do that."

Tharme says second placed Wrexham are focussed on getting back to winning ways.

"You go into Saturday expecting to win, nothing has changed," added Tharme.

"We have got a target for the first 10 games and we expect to meet it.

"The lads are fired up to get the three points."