Boss says missing games is punishment enough for his back from suspension defender

Steve Davis has told the club’s official web-site that his young centre-half George Ray faces a fight to regain his place in his starting line-up. Ray served the second of his two match suspension against Gillingham at the weekend and he is available for this weekend’s trip to Notts County but Davis says that the Wales Under-21 International will have earn his place back.

After re-signing Alan Tate on loan from Swansea City and adding the Wycombe Wanderers defender Anthony Stewart to his defensive options, the Crewe boss has created severe competition for the three centre-half positions.

Adam Dugdale is fit and available again after a slight injury scare over his knee and Harry Davis has deputised as captain in the absence of Dugdale and club captain Matt Tootle.

Steve told crewealex.net: “George has to learn. It happened previously when he was sent off against Sheffield United but it happened again.

“It didn’t cost us the game at Oldham but it could have quite easily have done and any manager will tell you that you need to trust your players. You want your players to be reliable out of the pitch and this will be a learning curve for him.

“I’ve not spoken with him at length about it and because of that I think he knows. Missing two games and losing his place in the team is punishment enough him. I did think the red card was a little harsh on him but he was caught in a bad position.

“It is up to George. He has to work hard in training to try and get back into the team and he faces increased competition for his place with Tate coming back and Duggy back from his injury. Anthony Stewart comes into the equation as well as he is trying to impress to win himself a longer contract. 

He added: “As a defender myself I know that the ones that make the less mistakes are the ones that are usually picked. As a defender you have to try and make the best decisions most of the time. You are bound to make one or two mistakes but it is those that don’t make so many and are reliable that usually stay in the team.”