KIERAN KENNEDY was a National League championship winner last season but the centre-back says clinching promotion via the play-offs would be more special.

The 25-year-old made 32 appearances as he helped Macclesfield lift the title and secure a return to the Football League.

His form at the heart of the Silkmen defence did not go unnoticed and Kennedy joined Shrewsbury in the summer for an undisclosed fee.

After leaving the League One club in January, Kennedy signed for Wrexham and he helped the Reds secure a play-off spot for the first time in six seasons.

Kennedy could still be celebrating a second successive promotion and it would be a big achievement doing it through the play-offs.

"It would probably eclipse last year," said Kennedy.

"The play-offs are a bit more edgy and you are a bit more nervous.

"Obviously a big club like Wrexham, it would be class to see them getting back to where they belong."

Kennedy has got a championship medal in the collection but he is entering unchartered territory with a first taste of the play-offs.

The likes of Shaun Pearson and James Jennings have encountered the end of season nail-bitters in the past and Kennedy says that experience will be invaluable.

"I have never had a play-off campaign in my career," said Kennedy.

"Last year was obviously a really good season for me personally and for Macclesfield but it is a different challenge now.

"I know a few of the lads have had a good few play-off experiences so we will be counting on them for their experience in it."

Wrexham still have work to do before they can dream about a fourth ever Wembley appearance and stand just 90 minutes away from a place in the Football League.

Although Kennedy admits playing at the national stadium is something to savour, he is focussed on the job in hand.

"We know that we have got games ahead of us before we can even start to think about Wembley," said Kennedy.

"But it is every kid's dream to become a footballer and play at Wembley so it is always in the back of everyone's mind.

"But we need to make sure we are focussed on the games before that."

A dip in form during March saw Wrexham's title challenge falter but an April revival by Bryan Hughes' men secured a top-seven finish and Kennedy is looking to take that momentum into the play-offs.

"Form and momentum is massive in the play-offs," said Kennedy.

"You see it time and time again that the team who comes top of the play-off positions doesn't end up going up.

"If we have got a bit of form, we would back ourselves to beat anyone."