Ched Evans can play top-level football until he is 40, predicts Chesterfield coach

The striker has scored four goals in nine appearances for Spireites after serving a two-and-a-half-year jail term for a crime of which he was cleared last week and Purchase believes he can salvage his career.

“There’s no reason why he can’t go on to play until he’s 40,” said Purchase of the 27-year-old.

“He looks after himself and does things properly. He’s been a really good pro. I can’t speak highly enough of the lad. You can see why he’s a top player and hopefully he can get back to the top because he’s got everything you need. I try to make players strong, powerful and agile but he’s got that naturally” explained the ex serviceman. “We like to keep players fresh and that’s what he is. I expect him to get better. He has pace, power, great balance, his agility is good and he has a fantastic football brain.”

Evans’ last appearance before jail came for Sheffield United against Leyton Orient in April 2012 in which he scored the last of his 35 goals in 42 games that campaign.

But Purchase, 52, believes that such an extended period away from high level sport will not hamper Evans’ performance.

“Ched’s given himself a chance to hit the ground running.

“He’s looked after himself. Genetically, he’s muscular and powerful. When he came back he was good to go again. Our testing data shows he’s right up there with the rest of the group.”