Steve Davis wanted to see how new signing Daniel Udoh handled local derby.

Steve Davis has told the club’s official web-site that he decided to hand his latest signing Daniel Udoh his first start against Port Vale because he wanted to see how the youngster would handle the occasion. Udoh was the surprise inclusion in the 3-0 defeat to Port Vale on Saturday and the former Ilkeston teenager ran himself into the ground before being replaced at half-time.

Davis made a tactical change to add an extra man in midfield, with Callum Ainley and Billy Bingham replacing Udoh and Jon Guthrie. Crewe certainly made a bright start to the second half and looked the side more likely to score before Rob Page introduced the fresh legs of Byron Moore to put us back on the back foot.

Steve told crewealex.net: “I chose to play Daniel because I wanted to see how he did in a big game. I learnt a lot from his performance over the 45 minutes.

“He ran himself into the ground and he played more with his heart than his head at times. He chased around and wanted to impress. He probably played like he did at Ilkeston. He worked hard but we wanted him to conserve his energy a bit more because it is a step up to play in a game like that.

“He is a young player and he would have learnt a great deal from the experience. He will learn about making dangerous runs and when not to run. We just want him to be a fresher when the ball comes him.

Steve added: “He is a powerful lad, he competes and he wants to learn, so that is a great starting point for him.”