Baker says Ash Westwood's improvement has shown what can be done

Neil Baker says Ashley Westwood has shown what can be achieved after leaving Crewe Alexandra at an early age to go on and test yourself at the highest level.

Westwood joined Premier League outfit Aston Villa on deadline day, and after holding down a regular place in Paul Lambert’s side, he helped them retain their Premier League status. Westwood’s consistent performances have certainly caught the eye and he registered an impressive 31 appearances in the top flight.

Westwood, 23, actually made five appearances for us last season with his final outing against West Ham in the capital One cup tie at Upton Park.

The club’s assistant manager told crewealex.net: “It will great to welcome Aston Villa here for a pre-season game. It will be great for the fans to see a Premier League team with some fantastic players and it will also give them an opportunity to show their appreciation to Westy because he left quickly on deadline day.

“It is great credit to the lad because he has gone on and improved again. There was always that believe that he could go on and improve and he has done it.

“Westy has progressed and developed as a player and just got better and better.

He added: “It took him a bit of time to settle in and you have to expect that but he was part of the furniture come the end of the season. Towards the end of the season, he was getting even more confidence and adding things to his game that the Crewe supporters know he is capable of.”