JORDAN PONTICELLI was pleased with his performance on his return to the Wrexham side and the striker is hoping for more starts.

With leading scorer Paul Mullin suspended and Jake Hyde out injured, Ponticelli took over from Dior Angus in the Reds' attack for Saturday's 1-1 draw with Torquay United in front of a bumper crowd at The Racecourse.

It was only his third league start of the campaign and although he didn't have chances to add to Harry Lennon's early goal which was wiped out by the Gulls' late equaliser, the 23-year-old worked tirelessly and was Wrexham's biggest threat.

Ponticelli declared himself happy with his display, with the club's Hollywood owers Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds watching their first home game since the duo completed their high profile takeover in February.

"I like to work hard for the team and obviously for myself to get chances," said Ponticelli.

"There were hardly any chances on Saturday but I thought I did well.

"I pressed the back-line well, kept the ball well and I was happy with my overall performance."

A series of hamstring injuries meant Ponticelli endured a stop-start 2020-21 campaign.

Asked whether it was frustrating not getting many starts so far this season, Ponticelli said: "Yes, especially being fully fit.

"Last year was frustrating but that was down to injuries.

"It is what it is, it comes with the game. Everyone goes through it, at times people are in over you and you deal with it, keep working, do well and you get your chance.

"I feel like I am doing that when I have come off the bench and I thought I did well starting on Saturday."

Ponticelli, still looking for his first goal of the season after making a total of six league appearances, is keeping his fingers crossed there are many more opportunities in the starting XI.

Phil Parkinson's men face League Two outfit Harrogate Town at Wetherby Road in Saturday's FA Cup first round tie and the striker added: "I want to be playing for Wrexham and scoring for Wrexham.

"The chances didn't really come on Saturday but I think everyone can see that when I play, I want to work for the badge and for the team.

"Hopefully there are many more starts."

Parkinson was without leading scorer Paul Mullin, who was starting a three game suspension, and Jake Hyde - still missing with a groin injury - for the visit of Torquay.

The duo won't be involved against Harrogate and it appears Ponticelli did his chances of retaining his place in the team no harm.

"Jordan gives you everything in terms of his running for the team and his tactical understanding of where he needs to be on the pitch in and out of possession," said Parkinson.

"I thought he played with real honestly at the weekend."