Boss reassures his young goalkeeper after he narrowly missed out on a recall

Steve Davis says that his young goalkeeper Ben Garratt will get an opportunity to play this season after the England stopper narrowly missed out on earning his first start of the campaign against Bradford on Saturday.

With the Crewe Alexandra boss allowing his goalkeeper Steve Phillips some time off, he chose to recall the more experienced Alan Martin for the visit of the Bantams, but admits it was a tough call.

Steve told crewealex.net: “In his own way Ben (Garratt) came to see me and asked about having an opportunity and I understood his point of view. I spoke to him and it was a tough decision to make on Saturday because after I had decided to give Steve (Phillips) a rest, it was a close run thing between them.

"I just didn’t think it was the right game for Ben, especially when you consider our league position. He will get games this season and it is just a shame that we are not higher in the league for me to do that sooner.

“I don’t think it will be that long before we give him his first start of the season and have another look at him.”