Boss backing youngster to come through and play part in second half of the season.

Crewe Alexandra manager Steve Davis believes that young George Cooper will overcome the dip in form that every young player goes through.

Cooper has been struggling with illness of late, but is expected to play some part for the club’s Development Squad against Sheffield United this afternoon.

Cooper has been used sparingly by boss Steve Davis this season and has made three starts from his 11 appearances. He is yet to get off the mark in the goalscoring stakes, but the Crewe boss says everyone at the club knows the quality, our 19-year-old forward possesses.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “George has gone through what most young players go through. He has had a dip in form and that happens. When he came into the team last season, he hit the ground running and scored some important goals for us.

“It all happened very quickly for him and when you first get into the team, you can play on the adrenaline of it all and no one really knows much about you. He was in the limelight and played with no fear but teams can become aware of you and you have to adjust to that as well. It can be difficult for a young player.

“Young players can have those dips and then it can affect their confidence. It is all part of that development, but George is working hard to recover his form. He will come out of it and it doesn’t alter what he think about him here.

The boss added: “We know he is a talented player and all we can do as coaches is help him come through it. He will get there and he is one of own, young players that we still have high prospects for. We all know the potential he has and he will come good again.”