Ben Nugent has praised the impact Semi Ajayi has made since arriving on loan from Cardiff.

The defensive partnership of Ben Nugent and Semi Ajayi has helped Crewe secure two points with hard fought draws against Wigan and Bury. Nugent who knew the former Arsenal trainee from their previous days together at Cardiff City says that Ajayi has settled in quickly in South Cheshire and has been a reliable replacement for the currently injured Harry Davis and George Ray.

Nugent told the club’s official web-site: “Semi is a great lad and he has done really well since he came here. He settled in really quickly and he is enjoying it. He is enjoying playing competitive football and he wants to help the club.

“I knew what we were getting when we went in for him. I knew he was a strong lad and athletic with it. I knew him from Cardiff and knew we could build a decent partnership because I think we complement each other well.

“With the two lads out injured, he has been able to show people what he can do and steps up to the challenge each week.”