Westwood handed new deal

Westwood: New deal

Ashley Westwood has been handed a one-year contract extension which will keep him with Crewe until the summer of 2012.

Westwood has been rewarded for a number of impressive displays for the Railwaymen this term and is rated as one of the club's brightest prospects.

The 19-year-old initially came into the first-team as cover for Billy Jones at left-back, but has now switched into a central midfield role.

Westwood has paid tribute to veteran Crewe boss Dario Gradi for giving him the opportunity to shine and rewarding him with a new deal.

"I am delighted to have signed the new contract and it is good for the confidence to know that Dario and the club have faith in me," he told the club's official website.

Improved

"I am really enjoying my football at the moment and the responsibility Dario and Steve Davis have given me in central midfield.

"The team has improved and are picking up results and we just have to keep that run going now for as long as possible.

"If we have a good Christmas I am sure we will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.

"I am just pleased to be in the team and I know I have to keep performing well to stay in this team because there are good players here, especially with James Bailey and Steven Schumacher nearly back from their injuries.

"That competition is what drives me to do well individually and for the team and I have got to keep working hard to stay in."