DEFENDER Joe McNerney has become Crawley manager Mark Yates’ second signing.

The centre-half has joined the club on a two-year deal from Woking.

McNerney, 25, made more than 250 appearances for Woking and was called up for the England C team last term for games against Turkey and Estonia.

Yates said: “I rate Joe as one of the best defenders in non-league football.

“He also has a real hunger to test himself at as high a level as he can. He could have stayed at Woking but when I spoke to him his desire to play in the Football League came across very strongly.”

McNerney is relishing a chance to prove himself in the Football League.

He said: “In terms of a League career I have got some catching up to do but I can’t wait to get started.”