DARIO Gradi was full of praise for his team after Saturday's deserved draw at Forest.

The Crewe manager was impressed with the way they learned the lessons from the defeat at Sunderland in their previous outing and paid tribute to their willingness to listen and learn.

He said: 'If we don't improve this season, it won't be for a lack of trying because the boys are super to work with.

'Perhaps I don't give them enough credit. When people ask me why have you stayed at Crewe for such a long time, it's because it has always been enjoyable to work with the players.

'I have been at clubs where it wasn't so enjoyable - it was hard work because the players wanted to do their own thing. I know I haven't got the temperament for that, so therefore it's a pleasure to work with people who want to do the work and want to improve.

'The central defenders, for instance, were much better than they were at Sunderland. There was no comparison. I would think Steve Foster was almost immaculate and Richard Walker's performance was encouraging. He panicked once or twice towards the end, but he's another who really wants to learn and take everything on board.'

Gradi also singled out Mark Rivers for the excellent attitude and work ethic he has displayed since returning to the club.

He said: 'Mark became hard work at the end of his first spell here and I think maybe in some instances players do stay too long with me. In the end it benefits them to go somewhere else and realise the grass isn't greener and maybe it was worth listening after all.

'Mark's come back with a good attitude and he looks fine.'