Steve Davis says Ben Garratt has the potential to be a top goalkeeper

Crewe Alexandra manager Steve Davis has commended the performances of his young goalkeeper Ben Garratt as he made a number of fine saves to deny Port Vale a point on Saturday.

Garratt, 20, made one truly outstanding save to deny Ben Williamson an equaliser when he blocked his close range effort in a manner that the former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel would have been proud of. His star jump kept out Williamson’s effort and Crewe held on to win 1-0 thanks to Nicky Ajose’s first half strike.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “Ben has been excellent and he deserved his clean-sheet. I was delighted for him.

“Right at the death he has come and collected a cross and killed the game. I said to him afterwards in front of the lads, that when he has the confidence and ability to do that then it eases the pressure on the others.

“If he can come and take crosses like he did on Saturday under that type of pressure then he is going to be a top goalkeeper.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if clubs are looking at him. He is playing regularly at this level and he is still only 20. He is 6ft 3” and he is still growing physically.

“Ben is a fantastic lad to work with, he is so level headed and nothing fazes him. He doesn’t get carried away with anything and just gets on with his job.”