Dugdale impressed Crewe boss Dario Gradi whilst on trial this summer

Crewe defender Adam Dugdale is determined to earn a new contract and extend his stay at the Alexandra Stadium beyond January.

Crewe manager Dario Gradi re-signed Dugdale in the summer following a trial, having released the 23-year-old former academy player in 2007.

"I've earned a six-month contract and Dario's had faith in me," he said.

"It's moving onwards and upwards for me and hopefully I can keep going and try and get back in the team."

During his three years away from Crewe, Dugdale played non-league football for a number of clubs including AFC Telford United, Southport and Barrow.

This season he has made three substitute appearances in League Two and featured from the start in the 3-1 Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat at Carlisle on Tuesday.

"When you get your chance you've got to make sure you prepare right and take it," added Dugdale.

"I'm over the moon to be back full-time, if someone had told me a year ago I'd be playing against Carlisle in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy quarter-final I'd have snapped their hand off.

"Dario's been brilliant, he's always on me in training trying to improve me and if he thinks you're good enough he will give you a chance."

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