JACK THORN believes he is in the perfect environment to continue his development when he makes the step-up to Wrexham's senior ranks next season.

Thorn, who hails from Drury, Flintshire, was one of two scholars to be offered a first professional contract by manager Bryan Hughes, the 18-year-old putting pen to paper on a one-year deal along with fellow midfielder Matty Sargent.

Hughes is assembling a squad for Wrexham's 12th season in non-league and the duo will be training alongside the likes of inspirational captain Shaun Pearson and Mark Carrington, the longest serving player in the Reds' first team.

Thorn says it will be invaluable for his on-going development being around such experienced professionals.

"I have trained with the first team a few times so I know the players and they are good to speak to," said Thorn, whose father Andy was a defender and part of the Wimbledon side that secured a famous victory over Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final at Wembley.

"You can talk to them about your performances and they give good feed-back.

"Being around these players next season will help me continue to develop and learn off them.

"I am very excited."

Thorn, who has been with the club since the age of seven, made his senior debut as a late substitute in the final day 2-1 win over Harrogate Town on April 27 when Hughes rested key players ahead of the play-offs.

Unaware that he was going to be offered his first professional contract, Thorn was over the moon when he found out.

"I have been at Wrexham a long time and it was unreal when I was told I was being offered a professional contract," said Thorn.

"I have worked hard since I was seven and to be told I was being offered my first pro deal was a great feeling.

"They never gave out any little hints, I just kept working hard in the youth team and performing well."

When asked what supporters can expect from him, Thorn added: "I work hard for the team.

"I am non-stop and will keep trying whatever the situation.

"I want to show everyone what I can do.

"I started off as a defensive midfielder when I was younger but when I moved up to the youth team, I played more in an attacking role, starting the attacks off."

Hughes will be hoping Wrexham can mount another promotion challenge in 2019-20 after finishing fourth in the National League with 84 points last term to secure a play-off spot for the first time in six years, the Reds losing 1-0 to Eastleigh in the eliminator.

Thorn knows the competition for places will be fierce but he is looking forward to showing what he can do and hopes to be involved in friendly matches.

"Whether I play all depends on who the manager is bringing in," added Thorn.

"But I am sure some experienced players will come in and I can learn off them.

"I will work hard in pre-season and just do my best. Hopefully I will impress the manager and get in the team in pre-season.

"I am looking forward to it."