Matt Tootle pleased after emerging youngster steps up to the grade

Club captain Matt Tootle has praised the performances of Academy graduate James Baillie, 18 after the he stepped up to replace the absence right-back. Tootle, 24, has struggled with illness and an ankle injury over the last few months and although he has been frustrated on the sidelines, the senior player has been impressed with the way Baillie has adjusted to the demands of first-team football.

Matt told Crewe Alex Player: “I am never that surprised with the way the young lads come in and do. You never know how they are going to do but the ones that have stepped up have done well.

“Baills has a good temperament and he is athletic. I am really pleased for him because we have all been there at the start of your career. He is a good lad, works hard every day in training and he has shown a good level of consistency.

“He will experience dips in form like we have all done as young players, but I’m sure he will be fine. He has a good family behind him and it is a good, exciting time for him.

He added: “He knows that if ever wants any advice from me or the other senior players then he knows we will help if we can.”