George Ray's historical debut was a tactical decision not to give Southend a lifeline.

to mark his first ever appearance for the first-team and Davis introduced the Welsh Under-21 International to add some extra height in the closing stages against Southend’s aerial threat.  George Ray’s historic senior debut at Wembley Stadium was a tactical introduction rather than a nice gesture from the boss. Ray came on in injury time for Chuks Aneke

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “It was nice to see George make his debut at Wembley but we introduced him for a reason. He just felt that his ability in the air would help us in the closing stages. We didn’t want them to give them a lifeline in the last few minutes and felt that George would help us defend the long throw-ins and corners better.

“He is 6’4” and can leap with it as well. He helped us out and it was great him. I told him it is all downhill from here for him!

“I wanted to give him a go at the end of the season if we were not in the play-off picture. It would be unfair to give him a start at the moment. He could feature again before the end of the season and we see him as one for the future.

“The following day he was playing for the Under-21s at Barnsley’s training ground and that is what is good about Crewe. No-one gets carried away or is allowed to get carried away. Their feet are kept firmly on the floor.”