MAGPIES’ assistant-manager Nick Crittenden sung the praises of creative midfielder Ollie Bassett, insisting “he has brought a bit of life” to Dorchester Town during his time with the club.

The teenager extended his loan deal at the Avenue from Yeovil Town for another month last week, and Crittenden, who played more than 140 times for the Glovers, is more than happy to have him around.

“Ollie seems to be growing in confidence every game. It’s important for him to get minutes under his belt,” he told Echosport.

“He is young and learning, his ability is there for all to see. The way he takes people on and the way he skips around people like they are not there, it’s something you can’t teach.

“We know he is a good technical player and Darren (Way) the Yeovil manager knows that as well. He is good on the ball but that is half the game.

“On the ball he has no problem at all but he has to work on his game off the ball.

“I think he has the aggression in him and I don’t think that will hold him back. It’s just that running off the ball and working back.

“It’s a learning curve but one I am sure he is willing to accept.”

Crittenden continued: “He is progressing well and has certainly boosted our performances. He has brought a bit of life and a bit of excitement. When he picks the ball up you can sense something is going to happen.

“He has a good attitude as well, which is a nice thing. If you tell him something he listens, he doesn’t answer back and he is a good lad, we are thoroughly enjoying having him.”