SIMON AINGE described his loan spell at Wrexham as "a bit of a waste of time".

The 30-year-old made a huge impact for National League North side Harrogate Town after switching from defence into an attacking role, scoring 33 goals in the calendar year of 2017.

But a groin injury before the turn of the year left Ainge facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines and with opportunities limited after making a full recovery, he was allowed to join Wrexham on loan in February.

Just two games into his move, Ainge saw Wrexham manager Dean Keates leave to take charge of Walsall and he went on to make one start and nine substitutes appearances for the Reds, whose promotion challenge faded, before returning to Harrogate.

On his stint at The Racecourse, Ainge told The Daily Mail: "It killed me, really.

"I was in a similar situation at Wrexham as I was at Harrogate. I would come off the bench for about 10 minutes but it was a bit of a waste of time.

"I wasn't the same player after my injury but in hindsight it was going to take me time to get back fit. I was expecting myself to be 100 per cent straightaway which wasn't the case."

Harrogate won promotion to the fifth tier after beating Brackley Town 3-0 in the National League North play-off final but Ainge is waiting to see if he has a future at Wetherby Road.

"I'm not going to lie, it's really hard, it's difficult,'" said Ainge. 'We're playing at a level where we need the money.

'We need the money and we are desperate for success. At the top level, I suppose, at least they all get paid millions of pounds. When it happens to them, I suppose it is a bit easier to stomach. It has been difficult.

"It's been a bit of a nightmare season.And the plan now? Have a good summer, get myself in the best condition I can be, then try to score 30 goals again next season.

"I'm fit, I'll be going back in flying, ready to go. I'm looking forward to a fresh start."