Christopher Long says he is 'hungrier than ever' after penning a two-year deal with Crewe Alexandra.

The 26-year-old striker cannot wait to get started at Gresty Road, vowing to score goals and develop as a player.

The former England youth international says coming to an established club with a manager who wants to help him work on his game, are among the key factors behind his decision to sign.

Christopher said: "Since I left Everton six years ago I have been up and down at different places but I am hungrier than ever now and I just want to crack on and score loads of goals.

"I'm 26 now and I've experienced a lot, I've experienced promotion before and I don't see why we can't do that here.

"I came in and spoke to the manager a couple of weeks ago and he said he is going to develop me as a player and hopefully as a man as well, and I can't wait to get working with him to be honest.

"I've been a striker since I was five years of age. I can play in a variety of positions but I'm a number nine, that's what I've been since I was a kid.

"I've been to other clubs in League One where they haven't even got a training ground, but obviously Crewe is an established club and it will be great to go to Reaseheath every day.

"I'm delighted, over the moon that we have finally got it sorted and done, so I'm looking forward to the new season now."

Christopher started as an Everton youth and has since enjoyed a varied career which has taken him as far south as Brentford and as far north as Motherwell, and he has made a handful of appearances in the Europa League.

Looking to move back to England after his stint at Fir Park, he says Crewe's attractive style of play, and a number of positive testimonies, convinced him to commit to the Railwaymen early in the summer.

He added: "I've played against Crewe a lot when I was at Everton as a young lad and I know the philosophy is to play good football, and that suits me down to a tee.

"I've been on loan a few times in League One before and the style of play hasn't really suited me, but I think is the perfect one for me now.

"To be honest, even at the start of last season I spoke to Perry (Ng) and Regan (Griffiths) and they were saying there was interest.

"I was at Blackpool with Donervon Daniels, I know Regan because he is from an area near where I'm from in Liverpool, and I've spoken to Perry about the club and they all sign the club's praises. I feel it is the right move for me."