FORMER Chorley striker Lee Trundle is facing up to the most important four days of his life as Second Division Wrexham prepare to take on Blackburn Rovers at the Racecourse Ground tonight.

The precocious 24-year-old has already attracted a posse of scouts to North Wales after some dazzling performances for the Robins last season following manager Brian Flynn's inspired decision to rescue him from non-League football.

But the opportunity to test himself against the might of Rovers followed by the visit of Manchester United on Saturday is sure to provide the most accurate barometer yet of his star quality as a host of top clubs start to circle over one of the hottest talents in the lower leagues.

Trundle knows a couple of impressive performances against Premiership opposition could see him fulfil his lifetime's ambition and secure a big-money move to one of England's elite.

But, despite currently being the centre of attention, the £1 million-rated Scouser admits he still has to pinch himself to believe it's all happening after fighting to save his career in the League of Wales with Rhyl just a year ago.

"If you'd told me 12 months ago that I'd be playing against the likes of Blackburn and Manchester United I wouldn't have believed it," said Trundle.

"I always believed I was going to become a professional footballer but I never dreamt all this would happen so quick.

"These next two games are massive for the club and all the players are really looking forward to them because it's a chance to put yourself in the shop window.

"I don't know if I'll start both because I'm suspended for the start of the season but I'm hoping to play a part at some point and I can't wait to test myself against Premiership players."

Former Chorley boss Dave Sutton was the first to spot Trundle's star quality, snapping him up for £7,000 in 1995 after he'd made just a handful of appearances for Burscough in the North West Counties League.

And over the next 18 months, most of the scouts in the north of England called in at Victory Park to run the rule over the talented teenager as he played a starring role in the Chorley side which made it through to the semi-finals of the FA Umbro Trophy.

However, once Sutton left, Trundle's relationship with the Magpies became increasingly strained and he finally joined Stalybridge in a cut-price deal.

"I got held back at Chorley because they wouldn't let me go out anywhere on trial. They always insisted on the money upfront if ever any club asked about me so I just had to get away in the end," said Trundle.

From Stalybridge he then moved on to Nationwide Conference outfit Southport but subsequently lost his way after becoming increasingly frustrated at his failure to secure a lucrative move into the League.

Deciding a fresh start was in order, he then moved on again -- this time to League of Wales side Rhyl -- and it turned out to be a masterstroke as Wrexham boss Brian Flynn suddenly pounced with a £50,000 offer in January.

"People said to me at the time that it was a backward move going from the Conference to the League of Wales but I knew I would score goals there and, hopefully, get myself noticed, which is what ended up happening," said Trundle.

"Suddenly, Wrexham came in with an offer and I was on the way to the Racecourse Ground and I've never looked back."

Six goals in his first four games made him an instant hit with the fans and after finishing the season with eight in 11 -- including a goal in Wrexham's 2-0 Welsh FA Cup final win over Swansea -- it's no wonder the scouts are suddenly sitting up and taking note once again.

"When I signed last season I got off to a really good start but then I got injured which set me back a bit.

"However, I did get back into the team for the last couple of games and even managed to score in the Welsh FA Cup final which was fantastic.

"So it's been amazing so far. It's just brilliant being able to train every day because that's helped my fitness a lot which was something I tended struggle with before.

"And now I've had a full pre-season under my belt I feel fitter than I ever have.

"I've not found it that hard to make the step up because now I'm obviously playing with better players on better pitches.

"Sometimes in the League of Wales, for instance, you'd make a run and the ball would never arrive but here the service is far better.

"So I've got a lot to thank Brian for because he was the one that gave me my chance and I owe a lot to him for that.

"And Kevin Reeves has been brilliant with me as well because I've had a lot of coaching off him since I arrived here."

"I'm just using Wrexham as a stepping stone. I'd like to play as high as I can but I'm concentrating on doing my best here and if something then happens as a result I'll think about it then."