James Collins says the summer capture of Ryan Lowe is just what the club's needs.

James Collins has hailed what he has described as the ‘perfect signing’ for the Crewe Alexandra with the return of veteran forward Ryan Lowe this summer. First-tes coach Collins is delighted that the former Sheffield Wednesday, Bury and MK Dons striker has chosen to return to Gresty Road ahead of other offers in the higher division and he believes the impact the experienced Lowe will have on the squad will be decisive in seeing us improve.

Lowe, 37, signed a one-year deal with the club with a further year option after rejecting a new deal at Gigg Lane and Collins says that it is a real coup to have a striker of his quality at the club.

James told crewealex.net: “I think the signing of Ryan is terrific for the club. Everyone I have spoken to thinks that and to get a player of Ryan’s experience and quality is a real coup for us. Steve (Davis) deserves a lot of credit for getting that one done so early and Ryan deserves credit for wanting to come back here and help the younger players in the squad.

“I think it is the perfect signing and he will help us. He has a proven record and he ticks all the boxes. He is a great player, the supporters like him and he can take a goal. He leads by example and his presence will help all the younger players in the squad.

“Ryan has a great character and he is exactly what is needed. When he came here on loan you could see how professional he is and how he looks after his body. He eats right, works hard in training every day and he will influence the others around him.

James added: “When a player reaches the end of his career, there are concerns about his fitness but I can tell you that Ryan won’t be struggling with his fitness because no-one works harder than him to make sure he is in shape.”