Harry Pickering has surpassed all of his own expectations this season and the versatile youngster is most certainly in the running for the best newcomer award at the end of the season.

The Academy graduate has played at full-back and in midfield this season and he has really established himself in David Artell’s first team squad. He has now amassed 37 appearances this season and he has chipped in with a couple of goals against Mansfield Town and Lincoln City.

The 19-year-old was recently rewarded with a contract extension that could take him through to the summer of 2022.

Artell told crewealex.net: “Harry has been terrific for us this season and he would have surpassed even his own expectations with the number of games he has played.

“In the summer, Kenny (Lunt) sat down with the younger ones and had them set some goals for the season. Harry targeted 15 games, so he has gone well beyond that expectation.

“He also wanted to become more of a goal threat and he has chipped in with a couple of goals. He has also been a threat from free-kicks and he has shown he can get goals.

“He is certainly heading in the right direction. He probably won’t end up as a left-back, but we have been careful to introduce him to first-team football by playing him there. It is what I call an introductory position.

“Harry has a big future and when he gets to 100, 150 games, then I’m sure there will be bigger and better things ahead of him. We all certainly think so here.”