JOHN WELSH believes new signing Mark McChrystal can strengthen Tranmere’s League One challenge in more ways than one.

Irish centre back McChrystal made an impressive first start for Rovers at MK Dons last weekend and skipper Welsh could hear as well as see his contribution.

“Mark was commanding,” Welsh said. “It was definitely a positive performance from him. He is strong. He looks like he can go through a brick wall for you. But he was also shouting. He was telling people where to go. I think Mark can only be good for this club.”

Manager Les Parry has signed McChrystal, 26, from Derry City, on a contract that runs until the end of the season.

With Tranmere’s most experienced centre back, Ian Goodison, likely to be sidelined by a knee injury for several weeks and Marlon Broomes anxious to find another club, McChrystal could become an influential player at Prenton Park over the second half of the season.

Parry decided to revise his positive appraisal of McChrystal’s performance at Stadium MK after watching a recording of the game this week.

“Initially I thought Mark did really well last Saturday, then when I watched the DVD, I realised he actually did better than that,” Parry said.

“He is one of those defenders who seems to pop up in the right place at the right time. He has a knack for sniffing danger. He showed that when he got back to clear one off the line and in a couple of last-ditch tackles in the second half.

“I was absolutely delighted with his performance and I’m sure the fans will take to him.”

Welsh felt McChrystal’s presence helped to stimulate better communication on the side – an issue Parry has focused on since Rovers surrendered a two goal advantage to bottom club Walsall earlier this month.

“I think the communication among the players in the MK Dons game was better,” Welsh said. “It seemed to me people were the more vocal.