Right-back Travis Johnson has made ‘fantastic progress over the last 18 months’ according to manager David Artell.

Johnson, 20, made 12 appearances last season as he began to force his way into the senior squad and boss Artell says that the Stoke-on-Trent born defender is ‘giving it a right go’ to establish himself as more of a regular in 2021/22.

With Crewe Alexandra selling full-backs Perry Ng and Harry Pickering to Championship clubs over the last six months, the door of opportunity is certainly there for Johnson and fellow Academy graduate Rio Adebisi. Adebisi claimed the club’s Breakthrough Player Of The Year Award after making 17 appearances last season.

Artell told the club’s official website: “Travis played three games the season before and went on to play over 10 last season. He has played in League One and that is progress.

“He has a terrific attitude and has come a long way in the past 18 months. That has come through his sheer hard work. He is giving it a right good go.

“He does his extras after training and wants to improve. He has shown a real drive and that has to continue.

“He, like a number of the young ones can improve. Travis is physically outstanding, he has that real athleticism and he has to use that to his advantage.

The boss added: “Of course, he can refine his tactical and technical side of things but he is doing everything he possibly can to try to get there. He is heading in the right direction and he knows he has to work even harder.”