James Collins has told Crewe Alex World of the importance of this second half of the season to the second year scholars currently in the under 18's squad.

There are 9 boys in their second year of the scholarship regularly featuring for Collins and Neil Critchley and come the end of the season only a handful of those will be handed a professional contract with the club.

As we enter the second half of the season and only 11 games left to play everything is in the balance for the boys and it is important they go onto the field every weekend and play 200% as at this time they are playing for their future.

James says: "The boys are always up for every game we play but obviously, it goes without saying that this is an important time for the second years. They are not just putting on their boots and playing for results, they are playing for a professional contract.