Matt Tootle wants more influential role at Crewe

Matt Tootle made 26 league starts for Crewe Alexandra last season

Crewe Alexandra defender Matt Tootle says he would like to take on a more influential role within the team to help him develop as a player.

"I feel like I need to be more vocal, more influential and be more of a leader," Tootle told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I can't live on the 'young' thing because I'm not young any more."

Tootle, 19, made his first-team debut for the Alex in November and is likely to start next season at right-back after the departure of John Brayford.

The former skipper, along with midfielder James Bailey, left the Alexandra Stadium in May to join Championship side Derby for a combined fee of around £1m.

And Tootle, who played the majority of his 29 games last season at left-back, believes he can learn a lot from his former team-mate.

"I want to be more like Brayford was, he was solid as a rock," added the teenager. "I still want to get forward, but not quite as much, and be a lot more defensively solid.

"I played much more than I expected to and it's been a great year. I'm really proud of myself and next year is going to be the year where I push on."

Tootle made 27 starts and two substitute appearances for Crewe, scoring his only goal in a 2-2 home draw against Rochdale in December.