MAX CLEWORTH is ready for action - because the young centre-back knows he could be needed at a moment's notice.

Injury-ravaged Wrexham take on Solihull Moors at Damson Park in tomorrow's FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie with Reds' boss Dean Keates low on bodies.

First year professional Cleworth, who was 17th man for Saturday's 4-3 defeat at Wealdstone, is set for a place on the bench with teams allowed seven substitutes in the famous cup competition.

Should he get his chance against Moors, or at any time during his maiden season as a pro, Cleworth, who offers defensive cover with captain Shaun Pearson and long serving Mark Carrington among the players on the sidelines, will be raring to go.

"You never know with football," said Cleworth. "You don't know what can happen.

"If you get put in, you have got to try and take the chance so that's what I will look to do this season."

Cleworth has already had his first taste of competitive senior action.

The 18-year-old, from Helsby, impressed when he started Wrexham's three Scottish Challenge Cup ties last season and also emerged with credit when the Reds lost 4-0 to Halifax Town in the FA Trophy first round.

Playing in those matches - the highlight was facing Rangers at Ibrox - has given Cleworth valuable first team experience.

"I enjoyed it last year," said Cleworth.

"The trip to Scotland was good and even though we lost 4-0 at Halifax, it was their main team and we ended up with 10-men but we stood up to them.

"I enjoyed the games, playing in front of crowds is what it is all about so hopefully it will stand me in good stead for the rest of my career and there is more to come."

Cleworth was delighted to be offered a deal after coming through the ranks at The Racecourse and completing his scholarship.

"I have been at the club since under 13s so to come all the way through, at the end of it you want a contract to play professional football," said Cleworth.

"I was made up when I found out. The lockdown meant it took a while but the club couldn't do anything about that.

"I just accepted that and I knew they would tell us eventually when it was the right time to let people know.

"It was all worth it in the end when I was told what was happening."

Still in the development stages of his career, Cleworth is buoyed by the fact Wrexham has a good reputation for producing young players.

"It was a case of making sure I got it signed straight away because it is a big club and being here for so long, you get to know what the foundations are like and the traditions of the club," added Cleworth.

"Legends that have played here and young players that have moved on from here, and had fantastic careers.

"It was a no-brainer to sign.

"As long as you can prove yourself every day, you are in good stead to have a good career in the game and that's what I am looking to do.

"I just want to keep improving, try to impress and if I get a chance, try to take it with both hands."