Boss pleased with on-loan midfielder's contribution in last two outings.

A revealing chat with the on-loan midfielder Antony Evans sparked a really positive performance from the 22-year-old says manager David Artell.

The Kirby-born Evans was handed only his third start since completing a loan move from German side SC Paderborn in the January transfer window and he didn’t disappoint with an inventive display against Portsmouth.

He struck a wonderful free-kick that was goal bound until it took the slightest of deflections off the Pompey wall and he provided some quality deliveries as the Alex tried to break the deadlock at Gresty Road.

Artell was pleased with the 90 minutes of the former Everton trainee: “I thought Antony was very good when he came on the pitch on Saturday and I spoke with him and his agent this week.

“It was a really positive chat and we outlined what we expected from him. It was a great chat to have between player and manager. Yes, there were some home truths spoken but it was all to help him and he took it on board.

“He responded with a really good performance over 90 minutes. He showed real intent and skill. He hit a good free-kick and he put some great balls in as well and showed his quality.  He also didn’t let his man, a player who has played in the Premier League, Charlie Daniels get in behind him too many times either.

He added: “I said to him afterwards that he has to hit that level again, minimum or I would be after him. He was good and set the standard and is heading in the right direction.”