Aaron Rowe says his strong self-belief paid off when he blasted Crewe Alexandra into round two of the FA Cup.

The attacker has been in and out of Lee Bell’s side since arriving on loan from Huddersfield, as he built up match fitness.

But he produced a sizzling display at Derby County in midweek and opened his goalscoring account for the club with two strikes from range.

Rowe said: “I always kept my self-belief. I had to wait for my chance but I have to praise the staff because they were patient with me when I lacked fitness, but now I’m getting to full sharpness.

“It’s a good feeling to get my first goals for the club. It’s a confidence boost because you know when there is a chance you have to make sure you take it.”

Mickey Demetriou got the other Alex goal in a memorable 3-1 success which has earned a home game against Bristol Rovers early next month.

Rowe added: “It was an all-round good performance. We worked hard on the training ground beforehand and it was good to get it over the line.

“I’m buzzing to be in the next round. We didn’t come to make the numbers up; we wanted to be in the second round.  

“This is a young and hungry team and everyone is willing to learn. It’s a great dressing room to be in.”