Boss says a match fit Ryan Colclough can become a real game changer for us.
Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis believes that a fully fit Ryan Colclough will develop into a potential match winner for the club. Colclough, 20, made his first start of the season away at the Ricoh Arena and the talented wide man certainly made an impact before he was replaced in the second half due to fatigue. He demonstrated some great skill with a ‘Cruyff-like’ turn and shot on Tuesday night that drew a fine save from Lee Burge. He also embarked on a couple of forceful runs that resulted in him having shots bloced inside the coventey penalty area.
Colclough has been used sparingly as a substitute by Steve Davis before the mid-week trip to Coventry mainly due to his lack of match action in the pre-season. Colclough only featured in two of the opening pre-season fixtures, as the club aimed to resolve his future over his contract.
Steve Davis told the club’s official web-site: “I thought Ryan tired but we knew that he would as the game went on and the plan was to always bring him off.
"But we wanted to keep him on for as long as possible because we know that he can open up defences with his jinking runs.
"He was always a thorn in their side and if we can get him up to match fitness and he can produce that level of work around the box it's exciting.
"He needs to improve aspects of his defending which he found difficult at times, but he is working hard at it and we can't ask for any more from him than that.
Steve added: "It was a great turn with the back of his heel and he produced a terrific strike that the Coventry keeper did really well to tip over."