STEPHEN WALKER is revelling in his loan spell at Crewe Alexandra – and wants to help fire his temporary employers to promotion before returning to fight for his Middlesbrough place at the Riverside.

Walker joined Crewe on loan in January, and claimed the first senior goal of his career as the League Two side beat Macclesfield Town 2-0 on Saturday.

The 19-year-old Teessider got a taste of senior action with Boro earlier this season, starting the EFL Cup game against Crewe and December’s Championship match with Stoke City.

He also made six substitute appearances in the first half of the campaign, but agreed with Jonathan Woodgate’s assessment that he would benefit from some time in the lower leagues.

Saturday’s game marked his fourth appearance in a Crewe shirt, and having been named Man of the Match, he is relishing the chance to prove himself in the fourth tier.

“It was nice to score my first senior goal, especially with the family there,” said Walker, who is an England youth international. “It has been a long time coming.

“Everyone has helped me settle quickly and the fans here have been great. When they sing my name, it gives me a real boost and helps the confidence, so I wanted to show my appreciation when I scored. It came after half-an-hour and I got booked, but it was well worth it!

“I am part of the club now, and I want to be a part of Crewe history. If I can be a part of a promotion-winning team and play my part, then that is what I am here for.”

While Crewe do not have a midweek fixture, Middlesbrough return to action when they host promotion-chasing Leeds United at the Riverside on Wednesday.

Saturday’s defeat at Barnsley has dropped the Teessiders to within three points of the relegation zone.