Davis backs his young gund to create competition within the first team squad

Steve Davis has told the club’s official web-site that the opportunities will be there for youngsters Perry Ng, Callum Saunders and Fraser Murdoch during the pre-season and into the new season.

Murdoch has only recently returned from a cruciate knee ligament injury to play the final 20 minutes of our season at Under-21 level. To return to action after almost 10 months out of action demonstrated his real determination to reach that personal target.

Young defender Perry Ng is yet to make a first team appearance and was loaned out to Hyde United to gain some playing experience.

Striker Saunders marked his first team debut on the opening day of the season away at Fleetwood Town but he was restricted to just two starts and four substitute appearances during the season.

Steve told crewealex.net: “Four of our first year professionals made their debuts last season but that doesn’t automatically mean that because we have signed five more than another four will go on and make their debuts this coming season. It doesn’t work that like and they have to earn that right.

“Some develop quicker than others. They come into the team and can adjust physically and others may take a bit of time to that.

“I remember that when I was at Stoke as a young professional that there were six of us and I was the last one to make his debut for the reserves. I went on to arguably have the better and longer career than the others, so you never know what career path you will take.

“What our young professionals have now got is a stage to go and hopefully break into the squad on a more regular basis.”