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Harry McKirdy says Ashley Westwood and Steve Bruce helped him choose to join Crewe Alex on loan and reject other options.

The 20-year-old forward has signed until the end of the season and could feature against Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm).

McKirdy did have other clubs interested, but he said chats with ex-Alex favourite Westwood, who left Crewe for Villa in 2012 before later moving to Burnley, and Villains boss Bruce made up his mind.

He said: "I spoke to a few clubs, but I spoke to the gaffer (Bruce) about it and he likes the way Crewe play football and thinks it will suit me.

"It was important I got a loan move but not just anywhere, with some clubs it can be direct and I wouldn't really get anything out of the four months.

"I saw Westy and he had good things to say about the club.

"He said he wouldn't be where he is now without the club so hopefully I can go on the same sort of path.

"I'm happy to be here. Everyone knows about Crewe's academy, the way they bring players through and how they like to play."

McKirdy, who spent time on loan at Stevenage last season, added: "I got a little taste of it last year and I've missed it.

"You wake up on a Saturday and you want to be playing so I'll take what I learned last time and kick on, help the team by scoring goals and setting them up.

"I want to play with more pressure on me. It means more, to the fans who come to the game, the gaffer, the players, the staff, it means a lot to everyone.

"I play with energy, run around and work hard and hopefully bring goals and assists."

McKirdy was on the books of Stoke City until he switched to Villa at the age of 14. He signed his first professional deal in 2016.

He is yet to make an appearance for the Championship club, but scored two goals in 13 games for Stevenage.

Manager David Artell said: "I know (Harry) turned down two other clubs in League Two, he wanted to come here – to the point he said 'if money stands in the way I'll pay my own way'.

"So massive credit to him. It makes me smile because that's the hunger and desire we want, a massive statement of intent.

"He's a confident lad and I'm sure he will do well. He's a goalscorer, quite quick and we want him to get in behind and stretch teams.

"He has had experience at Stevenage before and that's important."