Youngster recovers from first 120 minutes to be ready for Portsmouth
Winger George Cooper has been given all the all-clear to retain his place in the Crewe Alexandra starting XI for the visit of Portsmouth. Cooper was one of Crewe’s top performers against Sheffield United on Tuesday evening and was certainly our main goal threat in the first half when he conjured up two decent efforts on George Long’s goal.
Cooper did struggle in extra-time with his fitness and he complained of being sore in his hamstring and was helped out by Chris Dagnall on his side of the pitch, as Crewe held on to a 2-1 lead. The experienced Dagnall shifted over to the right hand side of midfield with Cooper pushed further forward.
Steve Davis explained to the club’s official web-site: “Coops is fine. He isn’t used to playing 90 minutes at this stage of his development, never mind 120 minutes and he was struggling towards the end.
“I had to move Chris out there to compensate and push George further forward because he was beginning to cramp up. I doubt he has ever played for as long as he did on Tuesday night. He did well for us and we have to be careful with him.
“We have given him an extended rest period to make sure he is right for the weekend. He is getting there physically and it will be another good test for him this weekend.”