David Artell has told the club’s official website that the attitude of his new loan signing Harry McKirdy made for a refreshing change. The Aston Villa youngster has joined the club on loan until the end of the season and he was determined to make the deal happen after catching the eye at Under-23 level.

The Crewe boss told the club’s official website: “Harry turned down one or two other offers from clubs in our league because he wanted to come here.

“He even said that if money was an issue then he would look to pay his own way. That made me smile. That shows a real desire and hunger to come out on loan and play some football.

He added: “It is a massive statement of intent to do that. He is a confident lad and he wants to do well. He is a goalscorer. He likes to get in behind defences and when he gets his chances, he likes to stick them away. “