On loan youngster Stephen Walker says that he has enjoyed his family time back on Teeside, but that he is missing the buzz of football. The Middlesbrough wide man has certainly established himself as a Crewe Alexandra favourite with the supporters, with his first senior goal against Macclesfield Town in the Cheshire derby.

He is determined to get back as soon it is safe to do so and help Crewe accomplish their objective of winning promotion to League One.

Walker told the club’s official website: “I am good and I’ve enjoyed the time with my family and all that stuff but I am missing football. I am really missing it.

“It is just not the same playing it in your back garden!

“Crewe have been really good and I am working to their programme and doing what the gaffer and Liam (Anderson) and the fitness staff want us to do. It’s been good and I’ve been doing those sessions.

“When I have spoken with the gaffer he has just told me to be ready for when we come back. We want to be ahead of the rest and come back fitter and more prepared than them. We are doing all the work for a reason and hopefully we can get back when is safe to do so.

Stephen added: “I don’t know what will happen if I am honest and all we can do is wait for the government advice and what the leagues decide. Health comes first and we don’t want to be risking anyone’s health or well-being.

“All I can do is make the best of the time I have been given and make sure I am ready.”