Harry Davis and Chris Atkinson praised after making first starts

First team coach James Collins has praised the way club captain Harry Davis and midfielder Chris Atkinson came through their first starts of the season on Saturday. Davis was recalled to the starting line-up for the first time after overcoming a knee injury, while Atkinson was handed his first start due to Billy Bingham’s hamstring injury.

Atkinson came off late on for George Cooper as Crewe went for the victory over Swindon but Davis did complete the 90 minutes in the 3-1 home defeat.

Collins has told the club’s official web-site that the players did have a touch of muscle fatigue after making their first starts of the season, but he says they will be fine for Saturday’s home game with Millwall.

James told crewealex.net: “The two lads suffered a bit with a touch of tiredness but they came through the game relatively unscathed and they should be fine for Saturday. I thought they did really well considering it was their first starts of the season.

“It was Harry’s first involvement and he completed the 90 minutes and did well. Chris came off late on with a bit of cramp but they have both recovered reasonably well.

“We will also have the two lads back from International duty. Marcus (Haber) is expected to return to training on Thursday and we will have to assess how he is.

James added: “Harry Wilson scored for the Wales Under-21s and he is fine. He has trained and is in contention for the squad for the weekend.”