Steve Davis says that Callum Ainley will learn about the harsh realities of first-team football.

Crewe Alexandra youngster Callum Ainley will learn a great deal about the harsh reality of first-team football after his stray pass resulted in Wigan Athletic’s winning goal last night. That is the verdict of Steve Davis who didn’t hesitate in introducing the promising youngster for George Cooper with the cup tie evenly poised.

Ainley surrendered possession cheaply but Yanic Wildschut still had an awful lot to do, unleashing a fantastic shot into Ben Garratt’s top corner to seal a 3-2 win.

Following our defeat in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy second round, Steve told the club’s official web-site: “Callum came on and he was partly at fault for their winning goal. He gave the ball away and their lad has hit a terrific shot into the top corner.

“That is the harsh reality of first-team football from Academy football, where your mistakes are punished. That experience will only help him and he will learn from that.

“It is a baptism of fire for young players because this is a tough league, against very good players and he will have learned from that. “