Lee Bell has praised Connor O’Riordan's commitment to the Crewe Alexandra cause in the run-up to his transfer to Blackburn Rovers.

The 20-year-old defender completed a switch to Ewood Park yesterday (Wednesday), signing a four-and-a-half-year deal after an undisclosed fee was agreed.

Alex boss Bell admitted the speculation surrounding the move might have distracted other players.

But O’Riordan continued to give his all and contributed strongly to four wins on the spin at the start of this year.

Bell said: “There has been a lot of speculation about him since early December but he has been immaculate with his attitude.

“A lot of players would go another way but he got his head down and contributed massively to a successful period.

“He is an outstanding young man. His dedication and application are brilliant and his progress has been fantastic.

“Of course, I didn’t want him to leave from a football perspective. I want to keep this squad together for as long as we can and add good players to it along the way.  

“But when an opportunity arises to go to the Championship, he has to take it. I’m delighted for him in terms of his career.”

O’Riordan was part of the Club’s Pre-Academy training group before signing forms at Under-9 level.

He progressed through the academy ranks and went on to make 58 appearances for The Railwaymen, scoring six goals.

Bell added: “It’s a credit to all the academy coaches who have helped him along the way, and I know he is mindful of the help he has received. We will be watching and hopefully, he progresses quickly. 

“He has to establish himself at Blackburn and get himself in the team, and keep working hard to improve on the physical side with speed and power, because he is still young.

“I think he could go a long way in the game. It wouldn’t surprise me if he got a full international call-up soon, too.”