Aidan Callan says all staff at Crewe Alexandra’s Academy deserve great credit after Connor O’Riordan was snapped up by Blackburn Rovers.

The 20-year-old defender, who joined the Club at the age of six, moved to The Championship outfit for an undisclosed fee, last week.

O’Riordan is the latest in a long and illustrious list of players to have been trained at Reaseheath, represented The Railwaymen, and brought in vital transfer funds.

Callan, Academy Manager, says it is important that everybody who played a part in his development is praised for the job they do.

He said: “We sometimes take it for granted because this is what we do, but perhaps we should shout it from the rooftops a bit more.

“It is a huge credit to the staff here. We see it as a group responsibility to get players through – not just coaches but physios, support staff and every single person who has helped Connor along the way.

“We have all had input into his development and we should take time to recognise that.

“When any academy graduate progresses to another club you get a sense of pride. It is fully deserved and we wish him all the best.”

O’Riordan made 58 appearances for Crewe and won Republic of Ireland caps at Under-21 level during his time at Mornflake Stadium.

Callan added: “I’m so pleased for Connor and his family. He’s not just a top player and professional; he’s a top lad as well and someone I’ve known since the age of five or six.

“He’s so grounded and level-headed. What Connor has been, and will continue to be, is an excellent role model for our current academy players.

“They can see what he did and how he did it, and that should give them confidence that we continue to develop players and give them opportunities.

“The challenge is now for us to produce the next Connor. That work  never stops and we can’t stand still.”