Max Cleworth says he is grateful for the faith shown in him by Phil Parkinson after recently breaking the record for making the most appearances for Wrexham under the manager.
Parkinson handed Cleworth his senior debut against Solihull Moors in August 2021 - with the defender going on to play a key part in each of the club's three successive promotions from the National League to the Championship.
In featuring against Millwall on 7 February, defender Cleworth made his 173rd appearance for the Red Dragons under Parkinson, surpassing striker Paul Mullin's tally of 172.
"There's been a lot of lads who've been trusted under the gaffer, and to be one of them is a nice thing to have," said Cleworth.
"It's not something I've looked at too much, but it's a nice thing.
"Certainly over the last couple of years, I've managed to play a lot.
"At the start when the gaffer came in, I was a little bit in and out. That's part of having the big squads, which we've always had.
"I certainly just try to keep working hard, and obviously I'm thankful for the gaffer for putting his trust in me."
Wrexham ready for 'massive club' Chelsea
The 23-year-old - who recently signed a new contract through until 2029, with the club holding an option of an additional year - hopes to remain an integral figure for the club as they remain in pursuit of a play-off spot this season.
Wrexham also have an FA Cup fifth round tie with Premier League Chelsea to look forward to at Stok Cae Ras on Saturday, 7 March (17:45 GMT).
Having already beaten Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town on home soil in the world's oldest national football competition, Cleworth hopes his side can produce another memorable night for the Wrexham faithful against Liam Rosenior's Blues.
"That's what you hope for in the FA Cup, is to get a big tie, either at home or away," added Cleworth.
"Chelsea is a massive club, one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"For us to be able to test ourselves against them, we've been able to do it in pre-season, but it's never quite the same in terms of having a real competitive game.
"It'll be really good to test ourselves and hopefully one that the fans can enjoy."