Crewe's new defender eyes a place in Steve Davis's starting XI

Anthony Stewart is hoping that he can impress enough over the next five months to get his football career up and running again. Stewart has had to wait patiently for the opportunity to play competitive football again after he rejected the chance to extend his stay at his previous club Wycombe Wanderers.

With Stewart still under the age of 22, Wycombe were entitled to compensation after helping with his development but after coming up with a suitable package to suit all parties, Stewart signed a permanent six-month deal on Monday.

Now the athletic defender is determined to prove his worth and earn himself a longer deal.

Ahead of this weekend’s home encounter with Gillingham, Anthony told Crewe Alex Player: “I'm looking forward to getting back playing properly. Now that I'm settled I can just focus on what I need to improve on.

“The past is out of the way – now on to the future.

“I am relieved, I did want to stay here and I'm happy it has happened. I want to push on now.

“I have to be consistent. I'm confident in my ability to play in League One, I just have to go out there and show everyone every week.

“The strikers are sharper and it is not as physical, there is more football so I have to be switched on all the time.

“I feel fit and ready to go.

“I think it is a great development club and the football they play here is very good compared to where I have been in the past.

Anthony added: “We ended the year as good as we want to start the new one. I don't think the club deserves to be in this position with the players they have.”

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