Steve Davis says he has seen an improvement in young guns already

The emergence of Crewe Alexandra’s youngsters during the pre-season has been a major bonus according to manager Steve Davis. The Alex boss has never been afraid of naming Academy products in his first-team having promoted the likes of Liam Nolan, Oliver Turton, George Ray, Billy Waters and Ben Garratt last season.

Crewe have signed six first-year professionals and signed George Cooper (pictured) a year ahead of schedule due to his exceptional form at Youth level.

Steve has admitted that some of them have propelled themselves into his thoughts for the forthcoming season.

The Alex boss told crewealex.net: “I have been impressed with the young players ever since they have made that step up into the first team squad. They have great enthusiasm and a great attitude.

“They take on board what we want from them and I have seen an improvement in all of them already. They have all made a contribution in pre-season and will perhaps now think they are closer to the first team squad than they thought.

“I have been impressed with them and although we regard them as ones for the future, it wouldn’t surprise me if some of them come through and are involved this season. It can happen. You never know with young players when they will come through.

“They have to go through the process like the Westys and Murphys before them. They will make mistakes and have made mistakes in the pre-season but it has been a great experience for them so far.”