David Artell is looking forward to working with his new loan players, Harry McKirdy and Daniel Barlaser this week. Following the departure of George Cooper to League One Peterborough, the Crewe Alexandra boss moved quickly to bring in the two youngsters on loan and he is looking ahead to a full week of training with the new players.

McKirdy came off the bench to score on his debut against Wycombe at the weekend and midfielder Barlaser was also given some game time after replacing Charlie Kirk for the final 10 minutes.

Artell told the club’s official website: “Harry came off the bench and scored. He also showed that he is energetic and bright. He took his goal well. It is a real poachers’ finish and I hope he will get a few more like that.

“He also nearly put in Callum Ainley with a great little pass around the corner. He showed great vision and the execution was just lacking a bit. He will be a real asset for us I am sure.

“Daniel is a good footballer. He is a bright lad and technically he is very good. I have seen him a few times this season and he impressed when we played against us for Newcastle earlier in the season. They have high hopes for him at Newcastle.

The boss added: “I went to watch him on the Thursday and he scored two goals from midfield, he signed on the Friday and met the lads in the dressing room beforehand and then came on late on. It will be great to have a full week working with them and hopefully they will both have a positive impact.”