Boss believes that the former Everton Under-23 midfielder is in the right place to have an impact.

David Artell believes that new loan signing, Antony Evans, can have an impact on his Crewe Alexandra side during the second half of the season. Evans has signed on loan from German side SC Paderborn and already has EFL experience due to previous loan spells at Blackpool and Morecambe when he was at Everton as a youngster.

Evans was a key member of David Unsworth’s Under-23 side and captained the Toffees at that level before his move to Germany.

Artell feels that his ability to play in various positions will only benefit our squad during a demanding second half of the season.

He said: “Antony wanted to come here and play games. We feel he is a player of great ability and now he has the chance to go out and prove it. He has to hit the ground running and try to force his way into the team.

“He hasn’t played that much football over in Germany recently, so he will have to get up to speed quickly here but we know that we have a good player on our hands and he will fit right into what we do at this football club.

“His ability to play in various midfield roles was key as well. He can play the 8 and look to get forward, he can play the deeper role or be the middle midfielder as well and pass the ball.

“With the fixture list and the incessant matches, we felt we need move cover in midfield, especially with Callum and Josh still injured.

The boss added: “We have to cope with all possibilities and being tested twice a week means that you could face losing some players due to a positive Covid test as well, so we wanted to be prepared for all eventualities.”