NEIL ASHTON believes there is a “snobbery” towards Cymru Premier talent from the English system.

But the experienced defender doesn’t necessarily believe that’s the reason why former club Wrexham haven’t taken more of a punt on the stars of the Welsh pyramid.

The likes of Rhys Healey, Jake Cassidy, Connell Rawlinson, Scott Quigley and Sam Finley have all graduated from the Welsh top-flight to the English system.

Both midfielder Finley and striker Quigley have spent time on-loan at Wrexham, but it remains a mystery as to why the Cymru Premier is not tapped into more often by the National League outfit - and other clubs.

“Yes and no,” said Ashton, who arrived at Cefn Druids from Barrow, when asked whether he was surprised Wrexham haven’t dipped into the Welsh talent pool more often.

“You look at Scott Quigley and he went to Blackpool before arriving at Barrow and scoring plenty of goals at that level, while Sam Finley came to Wrexham and it didn’t work out. Sam has since proven that he’s an excellent player with Accrington.

“There is snobbery towards the Welsh system from the England system, which is a shame.

“But then you don’t see many players leave TNS. Is that because a lot of players don’t want to test themselves in England?

“It can be looked at both ways. Not many have taken a punt on players, but then are players too comfortable in the Welsh system?”

Ashton was one of those sceptical about making the move across the border after deciding to leave Barrow.

“Before I came I was a snob towards Welsh football,” said the 35-year-old. “I was approached by Bala five years ago, but Barrow offered me a two-year deal and I took it.

“It was only when I signed for Druids and played in the league that I realised how wrong I was about the standard. I had an idea in my head that it was a place where players from the National League and Football League go to retire, so it was a shock when I played in it.

“I quickly came to realise that it was a lot better than I thought.”

Having played in the Cymru Premier for three seasons at The Rock, Ashton would thoroughly recommend making the move.

“I say to players now that they don’t know what they’re missing,” he said. “There are some really good players in England travelling miles and miles to play football for poor money.”

Ashton can speak from experience having witnessed Alec Mudimu’s meteoric rise.

The midfielder, left, caught the attention of Football League clubs for his performances at The Rock after signing from Stockport Town, earning international recognition with Zimbabwe before he signed for Moldovan champions Sheriff Tiraspol.

“Alec came out of the English game and within one year he had two Football League clubs watching him,” said Ashton.

“Unfortunately he was scouted in dreadful conditions against Prestatyn - I’m not sure why you’d scout anyone in that weather - but then he did really well for Druids in Europe and kept impressing to earn a move to Moldova and make a living out of the game.

“I’m proud of Alec, who had a tough time. He’s marked Mo Salah in the African Cup of Nations and that would never have happened but for Druids and Europe.

“Players can take a leaf out of his book.”