Crewe sign Cochrane

The 21-year-old joins The Railwaymen from non-league Hayes, where he attracted his new club with his performances for the Ryman League Premier Division club last term.

The former Queens Park Rangers trainee has made just one appearance in league football but will hope for more with the Division One outfit, having made three reserve appearances for The Alex last term.

Cochrane trained with the squad in Portugal last week and is expected to appear against Premiership side Everton on Tuesday.

The midfielder becomes manager Dario Gradi's second summer signing following the addition of defender Adie Moses from Huddersfield Town.

Crewe assistant manager Neil Baker was delighted to sign the promising youngster and hand him a chance to resurrect his league career at Gresty Road.

"He brings different qualities to the other midfielders we've got," said Baker.

"Midfield wasn't our priority, so that tells you that he really impressed us for us to sign him."

The Alex have also signed 16-year-old Welsh goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams on scholarship forms at Gresty Road.

Williams has trained with Premiership side Manchester United, Wolves and Leicester City and even had the interest of Liverpool before deciding on joining the Division One club instead.