IT'S been a tough year for James Horsfield but the defender refuses to dwell on the past and is focussed on helping Wrexham achieve their goals in the 2020-21 season.

The 24-year-old caught the eye after joining the Reds on loan from Scunthorpe last October but he suffered ACL knee damage in his fifth appearance against Bromley, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign.

Released by the Iron when his contract came to an end in the summer, free-agent Horsfield was back with the Reds for the start of pre-season training to prove himself.

Horsfield has been rewarded with a one year deal and while it was been a long road to recovery, he has remained positive throughout.

"I came out of contract at Scunthorpe and it has been a really tough time with coming back from injury," said Horsfield.

"But I am the sort of person that can only see the positive out of a situation.

"I enjoyed my time at Wrexham and I was itching to get back here.

"Fortunately the manager gave me the opportunity to come down and prove that I am no different; I am still the same player and I can still do good things on the pitch.

"I have come in and I feel really good. I feel fit and I feel sharp, I have played a few games and can't wait to get going now.

"Whatever has happened has happened and I just want to put that behind me now. I am glad to be here and am just looking forward."

Horsfield has set his sights on being a regular in Dean Keates' side this season.

"The aim is to stay healthy, stay positive and help the team the best I possibly can," said Horsfield.

"From a personal point of view, I want to play every game."

While Horsfield can't wait to get back playing regularly, he hopes to be part of a successful side at The Racecourse.

"I think we have got a really good set of lads," said Horsfield.

"Let's not look too far ahead but if we can all pull together, and grind results out, hopefully it will be a really good season for everyone.

"I am completely focussed on grinding wins out at this football club, that is my mentality.

"Despite the struggles last season, it is a very big club to be in the Conference and it has got good foundations."

Keates always hoped that Horsfield would link up with Wrexham again and the player has proved his fitness since returning with the Reds for pre-season training, featuring in the opening three friendlies.

"We know everything about James," said Keates.

"He came in last season into a struggling group and he had an impact.

"It was probably one of the easiest signings for me to do because I didn't have to do any checks because we know what his character is about.

"He had an horrific injury but he has got himself back. I stayed in touch with him all the way through that and he was always on my radar."

Keates added: "If the injury hadn't have happened to him last season, we probably wouldn't have got him.

"Some people see it as a risk but he has been with us since the first day of pre-season and he has done everything asked of him.

"He had to prove his fitness and strength in his knee, and he has come through with no problems whatsoever.

"We have pushed him and tested him, he is good to go and he proved that again on Tuesday."