David Artell has praised the performance of Travis Johnson after the youngster was a late inclusion in the starting line-up on Boxing Day. An injury to Olly Lancashire in the warm up prompted a late change with Luke Offord returning to centre-half to partner Omar Beckles.

Johnson performed admirably again in the 1-1 draw against Fleetwood Town and Artell was pleased with the youngster’s steady display.

Artell told the club’s official website: “At the start of the season, all the players set themselves individual targets and Travis has now made 7 appearances. That is a good return and he will be on track for exceeding his own target for the season.

“He has been fine. Can he do more? Yes he can but then we saw him produce a terrific cross for Chris Porter at Hull. First and foremost he has to do his defensive job first and he has been mistake free in the games.

“He did well going forward in the second half, finding those little pockets of space inside and combining well with Owen Dale. He was also competent in his defending.

He added: “Travis works hard in training every day and he is forging a career for himself by the work he is puts in. When you work hard at this football club, you get your rewards.

“He is making his way in the game and he is improving all the time.”