IT'S five years since Jordan Davies was named in Wrexham's squad for the first time but the midfielder wasn't surprised that he was an unused substitute.

After returning to The Racecourse following a successful loan spell with Bangor City, Davies - then aged 18 - was named on the bench by manager Dean Keates for the home game against Woking on January 7, 2017.

Wrexham ran out 2-1 winners but Davies, who hails from Coedpoeth, didn't feature and was still waiting to make his senior debut for his hometown club.

And that first appearance for the Reds was put on hold as two days later, Davies joined Brighton and Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.

Davies knew a deal had already been agreed with the Seagulls and that meant he was unlikely to appear as a substitute against Woking.

"I remember the day," said Davies.

"Keatesy did me a favour and put me on the bench for my family and myself.

"I was thankful for that but I was never really going to get on because a fee had already been agreed with Brighton."

Academy graduate Davies penned a two-and-a-half year deal with Brighton but he never made a first team appearance for the Premier League club and rejoined Wrexham in the summer of 2020.

But the 23-year-old has no regrets about his time at The Amex Stadium.

"People ask me how my time was at Brighton and I say it was great," said Davies.

"I had freak injuries but the club and the people at the club were great with me, the players were great and I would recommend the club to anyone.

"I have no regrets about my time at Brighton, it was a massive learning platform for me.

"I didn't think that I would come back to Wrexham that quickly and put what I have learnt onto the pitch that quick but it is probably the best thing that has happened. I am delighted with how it is going."

Davies made his long awaited Wrexham debut in the second game of the 2020-21 campaign as the Reds lost 1-0 at Solihull Moors.

Despite being a regular in the side, Davies only scored his first goal at the end of March but it became the first of many as he ended the season with eight goals - a tally he has already surpassed this term.

"It really got going at the latter end of the season," said Davies.

"It was almost a snowball effect after the first goal and I am really glad I took that into this season.

"I scored early and they have just rolled out from there.

"I am on nine already and I am looking forward to getting into double figures as soon as possible, and hitting some more targets after that."

Davies has been rewarded for his good form with a new three-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him at Wrexham until June 2025, and the aim is to be playing in the Football League with the Reds as soon as possible

"Negotiations started from the middle of November," added Davies.

"We got to a deal pretty quickly and I was delighted to sign.

"The project here with Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, it is an unbelievable chance for me being from Wrexham.

"Like we reiterated during the contract talks, I have got aspirations to play in the Football League and carry on my career there.

"The ultimate goal is to get promoted with Wrexham and I believe Wrexham will get to the league comfortably during the length of my contract."