Boss praise for his returning defender Donervon Daniels

Donervon Daniels returned to the starting line-up for the first time in over four months and admirably came through the entire 90 minutes as Crewe got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over an in-form Accrington Stanley side.

Daniels, 27, had only completed 90 minutes for the club against Newcastle United’s Under-23s in the Football League Trophy before he suffered injury in his next outing against Wigan Athletic. A grade 3 hamstring tear has interrupted his Alex career but the former Wigan, Blackpool and Luton man will be aiming for a strong end to the season.

Daniels came in for Travis Johnson and the opportunity will be there for him to contest the right-back spot following Perry Ng’s January move to Cardiff City.

Manager David Artell said of the defender on his return: “I thought Donervon was good. It is his first 90 minutes for a long time and he was sound defensively. They put a usual centre-half at left-back to get at him but he dealt with that.

“He produced a great piece of skill when he headed it past his opponent and whipped over a fantastic ball that just evaded everyone.

The boss adds: “For his first game back, he did ever so well. I am sure he is a bit stiff this morning but we will be careful with him and look to go again.”