Coach says midfielder has the potential to one day play higher.

First team coach James Collins has told the club’s official web-site that James Jones has the potential to play at a higher level in the future.

Jones, 19, signed a new two-year deal with an option for a further year yesterday afternoon and Collins, who knows him better than most from his days with the Academy, says the talented midfielder has the right attitude and character to continue to improve and one day go on.

Collins is delighted that the former Academy graduate did not hesitate to sign a new and improved deal with the club.

James told crewealex.net: “Steve (Davis) felt that Jonah deserved a new contract after he broke into the first team last season and did well for us. It is a reward for the work he has done and I’m sure when he comes back from his injury he will go onwards and upwards.

“He is still a few weeks off yet but he is ahead of schedule in his recovery because of his attitude to his rehab work. His attitude is first class and he is a terrific lad to work with because he wants to improve as a player.

“He is a like a number of Crewe players who have come through the Academy and he can become like a Westy, a Murphy or a Tootle where they improve year on year with the experience they are able to get here.

“James has the potential to go on and play higher but his first objective will be to get fully fit and to get into our team first. “