Davis looking forward to seeing how Turts, Westy and Nolan develop

Steve Davis has challenged midfield trio Oliver Turton, Michael West and Liam Nolan to apply some real pressure on first choice midfielders Anthony Grant and Abdul Osman.

The Alex youngsters and former Ebbsfleet winger West have all pushed their claims during pre-season. So much so that Academy graduate Nolan was this week called up for the Northern Ireland Under-20 side for the first time.

Steve Davis told the club’s official web-site: “It is a big year for Ollie, Liam and Westy. They have to push on and prove that they can compete for a first team place.

“Liam has shown great composure on the ball in pre-season and has shown he has ability. That has resulted in him being called up for the Northern Ireland Under-20s and that will be a great boost for him and for the club.

“Ollie has grown in stature and he has recently been in good form. He gets into good positions in and around the box and he does have a good shot on him. If he can hit the target more often and add goals to his games then that would be his way to play himself into the team.

“Westy came here as a winger and he is still learning the role. He is improving with that and we will stick with him in that central position or playing in a three. If that turns out to be his ideal position remains to be seen but he is working hard.

“When I assess midfield players I look to see if they can play in a two or a three. They need to be able to do both and they have to prevent goals, score goals or create goals. That is what we are looking for and these three have scope to do that.”