Christopher Long says he has ‘unfinished business’ at Crewe Alexandra.

The striker feels he ‘owes the club’ after missing the majority of last season through injury, and quickly committed by penning a new 12-month contract.

Long, who scored three goals in six starts when he got back in action, says he is happy and settled at Mornflake Stadium, and believes The Railwaymen can fight for promotion in 2023-24.

He said: “I’m staying here and I’m really looking forward to pushing on. 

“I’m really happy here; I love all the staff, everyone around the club, the fans, and the lads. I’ve got some really good mates here and my family is happy.

“I feel like I have got unfinished business here. I owe the club that; I missed about 95% of last season so I definitely have unfinished business and I want to shoot us back into League One. 

“Another main reason to stay is that the gaffer wants to push on, and I want us to be in and around promotion next season too.”

Long, who came through the ranks at Everton and was capped for England at Under-20 level, joined Crewe in summer 2021.

He scored 10 goals despite the side being relegated in his first season; then an ankle injury wrecked his second campaign.

Long, who has also played for the likes of Burnley, Fleetwood, and Motherwell, added: “There was no booking holidays or zoning out - my main concern was to sign the contract and kickstart my career straight away. This is the best place to do it. 

“I’m starting to come into my prime, I'm only 28. I’ve definitely got more to give, I’ve got a lot of goals and assists in me, and I feel like I'm getting faster too. 

“I’ve never been injured for so long, but I’m fully fit now. I finished the season quite well, but I could have scored more goals than I did. 

“There are a lot of goals in this team and the future is bright for Crewe with the young lads coming through - they are all well-grounded lads, technically really good, and they played a lot of football in the league last season. That will help us next season. 

“I want the season to start now! I can’t wait to just put the kit back on. I’ve got a big preseason to do and I can’t wait to get going.”