Davis says time starts now for AJ

Steve Davis is hoping that AJ Leitch-Smith’s first goal since the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy semi-final against Coventry City will springboard a successful season for the Crewe born striker. Leitch-Smith collected and finished a sublime pass from Lee Molyneux last weekend to put Crewe 2-0 ahead against title favourites Peterborough United and although we couldn’t hold onto that lead there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.

Steve admits that he has been tough on the striker in the past but only to get him to realise his full potential.

Steve told crewealex.net: “It is a big year for AJ and he realises that. He is 24 on his next birthday and it is about time he had people talking about him again. He knows that he has to go on and play at a higher level, which I believe he can do, he has to be that link man for us and a regular player and scorer for us.

“He has had little injuries that have hampered his progress in the past but we have spoken to him about what he needs to do and he is in a clear mind.

“I have been critical of him of the past and perhaps a little harsh on him, but that is only because I know what he is capable of. I want him to do well and become a really good player on a consistent basis.

He knows that if he wants to get on and progress his career that it has to start happening now for him.” He added: “Over time AJ has realised that we do all have his own best interests at heart and want him to become the players he can be.