Crewe boss Steve Davis said on-loan midfielder just needed games to show good he is

Jamie Ness’s hard work and persistence has converted him into a major player in Crewe Alexandra’s revival this season.

The on-loan Stoke City midfielder has certainly become a really influential player for us and his ability to find that final ball has paid dividend, most notably to Nicky Ajose who has hit eight goals since arriving from Leeds.

Ness, who was an emerging starlet at Glasgow Rangers before moving south of the border to join the Potters, has been restricted in his first team appearances as a young player, but Crewe boss Steve Davis was eager to give him that platform of being involved most weeks. That faith in the talented Scotsman has paid off and Davis says that Ness should be praised for his work ethic.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “The main difference with Jamie is his fitness. We all knew about his ability because we saw it every day in training. He just needed that match fitness.

“Jamie was just struggling because of his lack of opportunities throughout his career. We have just provided him with the platform to play games. What he needs in his career is the chance to play 46, 50 games a season for a couple of season because he has been in and out of teams throughout his career.

He added: “He is still young enough to do that and then you will see the very best of him. He has fitted in really well and has that ability to deliver that final pass.We are just delighted to have him here with us.”