Callum Saunders could yet play again at Orient

Steve Davis says he will assess the condition of his young centre-forward Callum Saunders before he decides whether to play the 19-year-old again at Leyton Orient. Saunders started his first competitive match on Tuesday evening and was rather unfortunate not to celebrate his full-debut with a goal after he was denied superbly by the Sheffield United goalkeeper Mark Howard.

Saunders completed the full 90 minutes at Bramall Lane as Crewe exited the FA Cup after a replay and although the Alex boss was pleased with his debut contribution, he does have the likes of Febian Brandy and Danny Haynes available for selection again after they were not granted permission to play in the FA Cup by their parent clubs.

The Crewe Alexandra boss told crewealexa.net: “Callum did fine on his debut and it wasn’t a particularly easy game to come into at Bramall Lane, but we wanted to see where he was in terms of his development and he was a little unlucky not to score.

“It took a fantastic double save from the Sheffield United 'keeper to deny George (Cooper) and then Callum’s follow-up. He would have enjoyed the experience but he was a bit stiff and sore afterwards.

“That is to be expected with the young lads and we will have to assess how he is. I’m sure he will travel with us and although we are unlikely to take Marcus (Haber) we do have Febian and Danny available again.”