Boss backs Wales Under-21 defender to step up to the challenge of replacing Ellis

Steve Davis has revealed that one of the main decisions to allow Mark Ellis to leave this summer was the potential of George Ray. The Warrington-born defender recently won a Wales Under-21 cap when facing England in Swansea and Davis says it is now time for the 20-year-old to make that decisive step up to become a regular at first team level.

Ray started last season in Davis' line-up ahead of Ellis after some impressive performances in pre-season, and he went on to register 10 appearances at first-team level. He ended the season as back-up to Adam Dugdale and Ellis though with Harry Davis sidelined with a knee injury.

Steve told crewealex.net: “One of the reasons we allowed Mark to leave was that we have to give George a go. He is 20 now and a Wales Under-21 International, so this is the time for him.

“Now he has to get into the team, perform on a consistent basis and do well. If we don’t give George a go at 20 then when do we give him a go?

The boss added: “Mark is a trier and always gave 100% but there wasn’t much movement to be made over his wages because he came from Torquay at the top end of our budget. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was a pleasure to work with but there are always reasons why a player has to move on and Mark is the same.”