Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell says that his young professionals, Joe Robbins, Nathan Woodthorpe and Tyreece Onyeka all deserve their new contracts after working hard to step up to the demands of first team football.

Robbins and Onyeka have been in-and-around the first team squad on occasions this season without marking their first-team debuts and Nathan Woodthorpe has had his first season as professional affected by injury.

Artell has been impressed with the trio’s work ethic but stressed that they have to kick on once again if they have to make their ultimate breakthrough.

The Alex boss told the club’s official website: “The most impressive thing about the three first year professionals is that they were fit to train for almost every session. Of course, Nathan had his stress fracture towards the end of the season but they all stood up to the physical demands of stepping up to the first-team.

“They coped with the step up and that is not always the case. That is great credit to them.

“Now they have to step up again and try and get into the team. They still have a long way to go in their development and it may be that they have to go out on loan to get some more games under their belt.

“Joe has already been out to Altrincham and played in the National League and that would have been a great experience.

“They have some way to go but we are delighted to have them with us.”