Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson singled out one of his youngsters for praise following their 2-1 win over Salford City in the EFL Trophy.
Wrexham have made a dream start to life in League One, recording four victories from five to sit at the top of the table.
On Tuesday night however, Phil Parkinson’s men continued that run of form as a much-changed Wrexham side secured a 2-1 win over Salford City in the EFL Trophy.
Parkinson named a completely different starting XI to the one that thrashed Shrewsbury Town as Paul Mullin capped his first start of the season with a fantastic goal while Mo Faal also made his full debut for the club.
Wrexham have the luxury of rotating their side heavily for this competition while resting their most important players. Youngster Harry Ashfield was one player who beared the fruits of this rotation policy, as the teenager made a positive impression.
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Phil Parkinson singles out Wrexham youngster Harry Ashfield for praise
Wrexham-born Ashfield made his second senior appearance for the club. Previously, he only made a brief cameo as Wrexham thrashed Crewe Alexandra in this competition last season.
Now, after continuing to impress in the academy, the 18-year-old attacker replaced striker Faal for the final 12 minutes against Salford City.
Ashfield is one of the most promising players to come through the youth system of late and Parkinson was delighted with how he conducted himself on the pitch.
Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel after the game, Parkinson explained why having a big squad has allowed him to give youngsters such as Ashfield a chance in the first team.
“We have got a big squad and we need to utilise that to its maximum,” Parkinson said. This competition is about that and also giving one or two of our young players an opportunity. It was Harry Ash tonight.
“And in that 20-minute cameo, whatever it was, he certainly took it. So it was great for us and great for the supporters as well to see one of the young players, and so important for the academy as well.”
In his time on the pitch, the 2006-born talent certainly proved he could hold his own, completing all six of his passes while winning three of his five ground duels and registering two shots on goal.
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Why Ashfield’s involvement is great news for Wrexham
Wrexham’s recruitment has made a clear switch in the transfer window that just passed. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds once targeted older players such as James McClean and Steven Fletcher.
But now, there is a clear focus on building for the future as five of their summer signings – including Arthur Okonkwo and Sebastian Revan – are all aged 23 and under.
Equally, Wrexham have also shown commitment to giving their youth talents opportunities. Max Cleworth is the prime example of someone who has risen through the academy and now is flourishing in the first team.
Ashfield is representing the next generation of academy talent and he’ll be looking to follow in the footsteps of Cleworth, which can only be great news for Wrexham.