DOUG THARME has vowed to continue repaying the faith shown in him by Wrexham manager Sam Ricketts.

With Jake Lawlor joining Manny Smith on the sidelines, the more experienced Brad Walker was expected to partner captain Shaun Pearson in the centre of defence at Harrogate Town on Saturday.

However, first year professional Tharme came in for his second start of the season and Wrexham drew 0-0 in their FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie.

"It was good to be back, I have missed playing," said Tharme.

"It was nice to be included in the squad and to know that the gaffer, the staff and the players all have faith in me to do a job.

"With Jake and Manny out, Brad is not incapable of playing there and you can see when he has had to step-in that he can do a job there.

"He is good at centre-back so it gives me another person to try and beat out but it is good to know that I can be trusted to do a job there, that I can be trusted to organise and defend well.

"I would like to think in the time that I played I did that."

Tharme, who made two substitute appearances before starting his first league game in the 2-0 win over Aldershot on September 1, was pleased Wrexham kept another clean sheet.

"I am forever the pessimist when it come to my own performance, I will always find something to pick out," said Tharme.

"There were a few things I wasn't happy with but for the most part, I was.

"Ultimately being a centre-back, clean sheets are your priority and being involved in keeping one is good."

Tharme has found opportunities limited but he is far from unhappy at playing a bit-part.

"To be honest it is expected," said Tharme.

"I am still learning and developing so I will do whatever I am told to do; whether that is sit on the side, watch and learn, because if I not involved in the squad it is not like I am not doing anything.

"I will always watch Shaun, Manny and Jake when they play, analyse and see what I can add to my game."

But Tharme knows he has to take his chance when selected.

"I am only 19 and have got plenty of my career ahead of me," said Tharme.

"But when you have got these opportunities, you can't waste them because it can be gone in the blink of an eye.

"Every game I will prepare the same, that I am going to play, so I will be ready when I am called upon next."

Tharme limped off in the second half with a hamstring problem, the second time he has been substituted through injury when he has started.

"I would love to finish a game at the moment," added Tharme. "I don't know what it is but I am working hard to try and find out why."