PAUL RUTHERFORD admits he is "savouring" Wrexham's promotion challenge.

Rutherford, spending his first third season at The Racecourse, was used to relegation battles with previous clubs Southport and Barrow.

Although Wrexham have missed out on the play-offs since Rutherford arrived at the club, Sam Ricketts' third placed side have emerged as challengers after taking an impressive 42 points from the opening 20 games.

Rutherford, preparing for tomorrow's top of the table home clash with leaders Leyton Orient, wants to make the most of the position the Reds find themselves in.

"I have enjoyed my whole time here," said Rutherford. "I have loved being at Wrexham, I love what the club is about, I love fighting for promotions.

"This is what I have wanted my whole career and I am just savouring everything; I just want to make the most of every opportunity that I get because at the back of my mind I am 31 now and these days might not last too much longer.

"You have also got competition for places so you need to make sure that your levels are high and that you are performing to a good standard.

"Your quality can go up and down a little bit but as long as you are working your socks off and putting a shift in, people will always appreciate what you do for the team."