IT’S been some ride for Max Cleworth who has to pinch himself that he has become a regular fixture in Phil Parkinson’s side this season.

A product of the club’s youth academy, the centre-back made his league debut in the opening game of the campaign when Wrexham drew 2-2 at Solihull Moors.

More chances came and the 19-year-old caught the eye, putting pen to paper on a new three-year contract last October which keeps him at The Racecourse until the summer of 2024.

A first senior goal arrived in December’s 5-0 FA Trophy third round win against Gloucester and Cleworth has since made the most of Harry Lennon’s season-ending back injury.

Cleworth has started every game since Lennon’s last outing in the 2-1 victory at Yeovil on January 22, earning rave reviews for his performances as Wrexham chased a league and cup double, but the teenager refuses to get carried away.

“It is unbelievable,” said Cleworth, who made his first-team debut in the Scottish Challenge Cup against Ayr United in 2019, and also had a successful loan spell with Cymru Premier League outfit Caernarfon Town last term.

“When you are in the youth team you don’t really think it will happen but you kind of dream it and it is an end goal.

“I don’t really like to think about the games that have gone, I just focus on the next one and see what happens.

“I am just loving playing for this club and playing for these fans.

“It’s a bit pinch yourself stuff so I try not to focus on everything that’s happened, just the games in front of me.

“We’ve had some high-profile signings but I’ve managed to sneak under the radar a bit and focus on myself.”

Cleworth, who hails from across the border in Frodsham, is expected to be named in Wrexham’s defence for Sunday’s FA Trophy final against Bromley at Wembley alongside Ben Tozer and Tyler French with Lennon joining Aaron Hayden and goalkeeper Rob Lainton on the long-term injury list.

And he’s hoping to put a smile on the Reds’ fans faces.

“We’ve given them a trip to Wembley which is a special day out,” added Cleworth.