Dave Hewson has praised the form of Workington Reds central defender Josh Calvert and says he was key to their success at the weekend.

Calvert was outstanding in both attack and defence and Hewson says he is just getting better and better.

"He was absolutely superb on Saturday and he has been all pre-season everyone has said it," said Hewson.

"He's got himself super fit and he's worked so hard over pre-season and he's reaping the rewards now."

Hewson praised Calvert's versatility and skills, and said he was a big team player.

The youngster also picked up Reds' opening goal against Warrington in the FA Cup clash last Saturday, which Workington won 3-0.

He added: "We can play him at centre half or centre midfield, it doesn't matter where we put him.

"He just does the nasty side of the game sometimes so well but on top of that he's got the quality to get the ball down and pass it properly.

"And then he's also got himself a goal. So if he can add that to his game it's another string to his bow.

"I can't praise him enough, he's such a great lad, he takes everything on board and he will do anything for the team.

"He is one of those lads who you want in your team because he'll put everything on the line for you."

And Hewson believes if he can keep up the form he is starting to show then he has a bright future ahead of him.

"He's a cracking lad and I'm so pleased for him," he said. "He just needs to keep this consistency up and then who knows where he could end up.

"But at the moment he's doing a brilliant job for us at Workington Reds."

Reds are back in action in the Evo-Stik premier league on Saturday when they travel to Halesowen.