David Artell says that young forward Owen Dale benefitted hugely from his extended loan spell at Witton Albion and that he will get every chance to demonstrate his progression in pre-season.

The Academy graduate was rewarded with a new contract before the end of the season as reward for his progress and Artell says that the 19-year-old is heading in the direction.

The Warrington-born youngster has already made six substitute appearances for Crewe’s first-team and scored five goals in 19 games at Witton Albion this season.

David told the club’s official website: “Owen got his new deal and that is because he had a good season in Witton’s first-team. It has been a great experience for him and he will be a better player for it, playing men’s football.

“He will come back in pre-season and be involved. We will see where he is and if he is ready he will stay with us and if he is not quite there, then we will go out again.

“There is little point in him playing Under-23s football every week when he can go and play in someone else’s first team. He is above 23s football now.

The boss added: “We will do what is in his best interests but he is progressing nicely and he has always had great potential.”