Chesterfield defender Luke Croll extends stay at Spireites until end of season

The 27-year-old joined Chesterfield in November on a free transfer on a short-term deal but has now penned a contract until the end of the season.

"It is really good news for us,” Rowe told the DT.

"We are really pleased. He has conducted himself really well.

"He is a top, top player and we are fortunate to have him.”

Before signing for the Blues last year, the former Dagenham and Redbridge centre-back had not played for several months due to injury but he has performed well.

He suffered a thigh strain recently but returned against Chelsea.

Rowe said: "It was probably our doing really why he picked up that injury because he had not played consistently and we put such demand on him to play in those games around the Southend FA Cup game. It was too much for him and he broke down. We will take some fault for that.

"But he is back at full throttle now and we can manage him a little bit better because we have got more numbers.”

On the competition for places in defence, Rowe added: "We will have to mix and match with the games coming thick and fast. Everyone will need to play their part. I am not going to complain about that, it is a good thing. We have got some people who can come in and do different roles in the team. It is important that the players can do different roles and Luke certainly ticks those boxes for us.”