Davis says young defender is keen to learn

Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis says that youngster Jon Guthrie is heading in the right direction after handing him his second senior start for the club away at Oldham Athletic. With Gregor Robertson ruled out with tendonitis in the knee, Guthrie got the nod to face the Latics ahead of Kelvin Mellor.

Guthrie helped the club bounce back from the 3-0 home defeat by Walsall by securing a point with fellow youngster Ollie Turton scoring in a 1-1 draw.

Davis was pleased with the contribution of the former Pewsey Vale defender: “Jon deserved a go. He has worked hard and played well for the Under-21s at Sheffield United. He has been eager to play and with Gregor injured it was an ideal time to give him the opportunity.

“It has been some story for him and for us because Pewsey Vale is a little village and it doesn’t happen very often that we can find a player at that sort of level, especially when there are other professional clubs around.

“He has improved and is good physically. Now he is still learning the game and has to remain patient. I’ve spoken to him a few times and Neil (Baker) has worked with him and gone through his clips. He knows what he has to do to improve and he is heading in the right direction.

“He is another young player who wants to do well here.”