David Artell believes that Perry Ng can progress to be a very accomplished centre-half. The Crewe Alexandra boss switched Ng into the central role against Crawley Town on Saturday and then declared that he was the best player on the pitch in his post-match interview.

Liverpool-born Ng scored the opening goal in a 2-1 win and the versatile defender, who has played most of his first-team football at right-back is a major contender for the club’s player-of-the-year award on Saturday.

Artell told the club’s official website: “Eddie (Nolan) has been terrific for us all season and he wasn’t dropped. We just wanted to see something different because we have not been able to partner Perry with George at centre-half.

“They did well and there is more to come from both of them. I thought Perry was the best player on the pitch and that wasn’t to do with his goal. He looked calm, composed and assured. He looked like a cultured centre-half and looks a real good centre-half. We see them there in the future.

He added: “There is plenty more to come from him and if he keeps on progressing then he is a top class centre-half in the making.”