Ray appreciates the need for shut-outs with competition for places hotting up.

George Ray is striving to be more consistent in his performances as the competition for places is set to increase with the imminent return of club captain Harry Davis. Ray has partnered new summer signing Ben Nugent so far this season, but Davis is pushing for a recall after overcoming a slight knee injury.

The new defensive partnership kept Uche Ikpeazu quiet on the opening day of the season to keep a clean-sheet against our arch rivals Port Vale but have failed to have a shut-out since.

George told Crewe Alex PlayerHD: “I want to be involved and play as many games as I can this season and that will mean playing consistently well and learning from mistakes.

“Last season I was a young defender still learning the game and the level but I have more experience now and I am trying to improve and to make lesser mistakes. I want to play as well as I can, give my all and hopefully chip in with a few goals as well.”

George says he has enjoyed playing alongside Nugent so far this and he appreciates competition will become tougher once Davis returns from injury and when the manager brings in a new left-back which will mean Jon Guthrie will be challenging to play in his more natural role in the centre.

George said: “Ben is a strong lad and I’ve played against him before he came here. He appears to have been around for a while but he is still young. He is only 22 but looks about 27! I have enjoyed playing with him and we are both aware that we have got to play well to keep the shirt.”