Boss says Clayton just needed a rest after England duty

Steve Davis has told the club’s official web-site that he withdrew his young forward Max Clayton after he tired in the second half against Tranmere Rovers. Clayton played 70 minutes of the club’s 0-0 draw with Ronnie Moore’s side after appearing for an hour for England Under-19s against Germany on Thursday night.

Clayton was his sprightly self in the first half, having a couple of shots blocked and earning praise from opposition manager Moore for his movement and intelligent.

Davis took off the 18-year-old as precaution and brought on Matt Tootle in a forward reshuffle, with Chuks Aneke moving to play behind main striker AJ Leitch-Smith.

After the goalless draw, Steve Davis said: “I had a chat with Max before the game and he told me he was fine and wanted to play. He played 60 minutes for England but said it was at a lower intensity, which International football is nowadays.

“He knew he had been in a game against Tranmere. It was more cut and thrust at a higher tempo. I just thought Max was tiring a bit and we needed some fresh legs and that is why I changed it. He is fine.”