Daniel O'Donnell has told Crewe Alex World that he is determined to put a disappointing last season behind him as soon as possible and really start competing for a regular place in Steve Holland's first team plans.

Like a lot of Alex players, the former Liverpool central defender endured his fair share of niggling injuries last season, with a problematic back injury preventing him from keeping his place ahead of the then injured Chris McCready back in November.

He returned to full fitness just after the Christmas period and scored a dramatic winner against Tranmere Rovers on New Year's Day, but he still struggled to break up the partnership of McCready and stand-in captain Julien Baudet at the heart of the Alex defence.

O'Donnell finished the season in the side, playing the last couple of games at Bournemouth and that instantly forgettable final game against Oldham. O'Donnell was caught out on the half-way for Oldham's second goal as Crewe crashed to an infuriating 4-1 home defeat.

An honest Dan exclusively told Crewe Alex World: "Personally, I wasn't happy with how the season went. I didn't stake a claim on my place in the side, as I would have liked. I would have liked to have made one of the two centre half positions my own.

"I didn't feel I got the chance to do that but it's obviously something that I can get the chance to do in the coming season. It was difficult with injuries. We couldn't keep a settled back four.

"I think last season is still fresh in the mind and I think all we can do is look where we went wrong and try to put that right. Hopefully with a bit more luck with injuries, we can get a bit more continuity in the back four. If we can then I think we will be a lot stronger next season.

"I'm looking forward to the Bulgaria trip. I've never been there before and it's something to look forward to. Andy Franks (fitness coach) is going to work us into shape whilst we're there and we are going to play a game too, so it's only going to benefit us all."

More from Daniel O'Donnell now available on Crewe Alex World. Why not sign up for the new season by clicking here