Alex winger Owen Dale says that winning the Sky Bet Player of The Month for December and being nominated for the PFA award for the same month has only boosted his confidence going into the second half of the season. Dale won the award after scoring four goals in four successive matches and also providing an assist as Crewe enjoyed an unbeaten run in the month.

Dale followed up his award success with another well taken goal at Rochdale last weekend and the Warrington-based youngster believes that it all helps with his development.

Dale told the club’s official website: “Of course, it is nice to win individual awards and be nominated because it is recognition of your performances. I was happy to win the player of the month award but I was more pleased that my goals helped the team during the month, so we could pick up points and remain unbeaten.

“It all helps with the confidence, to score goals and to pick up the player of the month award. It’s a proud moment in any players’ career but I want to keep on learning and get better.

“There really is no bigger critic of my game and my performances than me. If I don’t play as well as I would like or I miss a good chance, I go over it after the game and try and learn from it. I am always trying to get better every day and I work on things in training.

“I think the main difference from last season is that I am calmer in front of goal now. I don’t snatch at things a much. I feel as if I am more composed and calm. The gaffer, Kenny and Alex were on to me about remaining calm when I got chances and focusing on my techniques. I think I have done more of that and it has helped me.

Owen added: “Maybe at times when I was younger, it was always 100mph stuff and I was a bit erratic but I think I have improved a lot and there is still a lot to come. I have a strong belief in myself and what I can bring to the team and at the moment, things are coming together quite nicely for me and the team.”