David Artell says that defender Eddie Nolan thoroughly deserves his new contract extension after becoming one of the most consistent performers in the EFL.

Nolan yesterday agreed a new two-year deal with the Football Club which will take him through to the summer of 2021. The former Republic of Ireland International has fully established himself in David Artell’s starting XI since signing on a free transfer from Blackpool in the summer of 2017.

The 30-year-old recently scored his first league goal for the club in a 2-1 win over Colchester United.

The Crewe boss told the club’s official website: “Eddie deserves his new contract. He had a bit of a calf strain before Christmas but apart from that he has been absolutely terrific for us since he came here.

“He has not only become one of the most consistent players at the Football Club but I would also say in the league, so we are delighted to get that one over the line.

“Eddie has been terrific and is an integral part of the team and squad. His experience is invaluable around the place and he is always measured when he needs to speak. He has been good for us but we have been good for him too.

The boss added: “I think that he had a few years where he wasn’t playing as many games as he would have liked, so it is a mutual respect with him. He has to keep going and if he says that he is enjoying his football then that is good enough for me.”