DEAN KEATES hailed Jordan Davies' goalscoring feat but says the midfielder has contributed much more to Wrexham's cause than his stunning hat-trick.

Davies, who came through the youth ranks at The Racecourse, rejoined his home-town spell in the summer following a spell with Brighton under 23.

Used in a number of different positions this season, Davies lined up in midfield against Halifax on Tuesday and he bagged a first-half treble in the 4-0 victory which took the Reds above the Shaymen and back into a play-off berth.

Keates feels Davies has found his feet as the campaign has progressed and is delighted for the 22-year-old after seeing his bag a first senior hat-trick.

"It has been a journey for Jordan," said Keates.

"There's been ups and downs, he's placed left-sided centre-back for me, left wing-back, box in the midfield three, left of the midfield two and he has also done a shift up top for us.

"I know where I want to try and box him down but he is a football player and he understands it, he takes on the information and that is why he has played in different positions.

"The quality is there, he is showing the nastiness, the edge and the aggression he showed as a kid and what was part of his make-up coming through.

"He probably lost that little bit of edge when he came back, under 23s football is very tippy-tappy - you have possession, we have possession.

"The first part of the season he was still finding his feet but now he has settled down and you have to remember he has never played games like this, going Saturday, Tuesday.

"He is doing well and the hat-trick is amazing for the lad, I am absolutely over the moon for him.

"He has contributed by scoring goals but I see past the hat-trick; I see the lad's performances and since Christmas he has been getting stronger with every single game."