With Harry Davis out with injury, Steve Davis wants Welshman to grab his chance

With Harry Davis extremely unlikely to start the new season, as he recovers from his knee injury, manager Steve Davis says that now is the time for young George Ray to really stake his claim for a starting place. The emergence of Ray was one of the main reasons why the manager was willing to allow Mark Ellis to leave in the summer.

Ray, who made ten appearances last season, is currently partnering Adam Dugdale in the centre of the Crewe defence and they are likely to start the season away at Fleetwood.

Steve Davis told crewealex.net: “George is 20 now and we have to see if he is going to be a real player. He knows that this is a big season for him and it is time for him to show us what we can do.

“This is his chance. We know the potential and the ability he has, as he has shown it for us and for the Wales Under-21s but now is his opportunity to really establish himself in the team.

“Harry is out injured and this is George’s time. He is becoming more confident and has become more vocal on the pitch. He is talking more and encouraging and becoming more of a leader.

“He is still a young lad and he plays in a responsible position in the centre of our defence. He knows this is his chance and he wants to take it.”