Crewe Alexandra have sent Watford a report complaining on-loan striker Uche Ikpeazu was not fit when he arrived at the club.

Ikpeazu joined the League One strugglers on January 13 but has only made four appearances for the team including one start, when he scored twice against Bradford City.

The 19-year-old has not played another competitive minute since that impressive display at Valley Parade on February 8 and Alex boss Steve Davis admits Ikpeazu's fitness has been a big disappointment.

When asked by the Crewe Chronicle whether the club had considered sending the striker back to Watford, Davis said: "Yes and we've spoken to Watford and sent them a report about the fact he wasn't fit when he came.

"He has only been fit to start one game. He hadn't played many games in the last six months and should be in much better physical condition."

Crewe are currently in the League One relegation zone and Davis admits the club have decided to hold on to Ikpeazu in the hope they might see more of the form he showed against Bradford.

The former Reading youngster has struggled with various niggling injuries in recent weeks and he is currently undergoing a vigorous fitness programme to get up to speed.

Davis said: “He is a big boy and we are playing catch-up with his fitness.

“We are working him round the clock with strength, conditioning and endurance programmes, but that always risks injury because you are pushing so hard.

"I think that’s why he has picked up knocks.”

Ikpeazu, who finished the country's leading scorer at academy level last season, told the Watford Observer in January that he wanted to use his spell at Crewe to prove he is good enough for the Championship.