Baker says Oliver has picked up role quickly

Neil Baker says the summer arrival of Vadaine Oliver will only increase the competition to start the season in the Crewe Alexandra front line. Oliver missed Tuesday night’s 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers after picking up a knock against Nantwich. His man-of-the-match performance saw him score a second half hat-trick in a 4-1 win.

August. Ryan Colclough and Byron Moore can also operate as forward players or off the front.^rdThe former Lincoln City striker will be challenging the likes of Mathias Pogba, Max Clayton and AJ Leitch-Smith for a place in Steve Davis’ starting line-up against Rotherham United on 3

Neil Baker told the club’s official web-site: “Vadaine has done well, especially at Nantwich where he scored a second half hat-trick. His second goal was terrific. I think he surprised himself as well as us with that one!

“He will certainly give us something a bit different and he is a young lad, who wants to come here and do well. He is keen to do well. He is still working on his fitness and he is picking up the role.

He added: “He has got a few goals in pre-season so far to make him settle in and hat will do him the world of good.”