Steve Davis pleased with Wintle's progress.

Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis says that young midfielder Ryan Wintle deserves his new 18-month contract. The Staffordshire-born Wintle has made the decisive breakthrough into the first team squad, making three substitute appearances before he was recently sidelined by a fractured foot.

Wintle has been a top performer for the club’s Development Squad this season and Davis has challenged the 18-year-old to become consistently better to really force his claim for a first-team start.

Steve told crewealex.net: “Ryan deserves his contract. It is reward for the progress he has made and making that step up to the first team squad. He has made his substitute appearances and his next step is to get his first start.

“He has been fine for the Under-21s and scored some goals but he has to become the best player at that level every week. We are looking for him to become that stand-out performer.

“Ryan is still only 18. He is still young and we have to remember that and where he has come from. We signed him from Alsager and that is a massive step up to make but he is improving and progressing all the time.

“He has to keep on developing and show that he can cope with the demands of League One.”