Crewe Alexanda defender Eddie Nolan has had his one-year contract extension automatically triggered after playing the required 30 games.

The 29-year-old's original one-year-deal was due to expire in the summer, but with the Irishman featuring regularly this term, the extra year was implemented.

Dave Artell speaks highly of Nolan, and revealed he planned to offer 'Steady Eddie' a new deal regardless.

He said: "He's been terrific for us this year.

"He's been playing with a four centimetre tear in his calf. He's been playing well and we've been nursing him through, keeping it on the quiet, but he's over that now.

"He didn't want to play 28 or 29 games then be out with a long term injury and not get his extra year - so I said I'd honour it regardless.

"Eddie has got another year and he fully deserves it because he's been outstanding for us this year."