PHIL PARKINSON says Harry Ashfield deserved his chance in the first-team and the midfielder impressed the Wrexham manager when he came on against Salford City.

The 20-year-old was introduced as a 78th minute substitute during the Football League Trophy group game at The Racecourse, which Wrexham won 2-1, and immediately caught the eye.

It was just his second senior appearance, having made his debut in the same competition at Crewe Alex last October when he was a late replacement in the 3-0 victory.

Parkinson, with a large squad at his disposal, rang the changes for the visit of Salford and while some of his senior players needed a run-out, the Reds’ boss stressed the importance of giving youngsters like Ashfield a chance to show what they can do and he caught the eye in a brief cameo.

“We have got a big squad and we need to utilise that to its maximum,” said Parkinson.

“This competition is about that and also giving one or two of our young players an opportunity.

“That was great for us and great for our supporters as well to see one of the young players, and so important for the academy as well.

“There’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes from Andy Lowe in his team of young players and it is a great occasion for all those players in the system that even though we have got a strong squad of senior players, we want to give the youngsters a chance if they are good enough.

“Harry did great in pre-season. He did great on the tour. When he got his chance he played well but he also trained well and he deserved that moment.

“Physically he is getting stronger all the time and the more he trains with the first team, the better he will become so I was really pleased with him.”