Steve Davis pleased with the progress being made the club's Academy graduates.

Crewe Alexandra’s Academy youngsters have had to grow up quickly as we battle against relegation from League One, but boss Steve Davis has been delighted with the progress being made by the likes of Perry Ng, George Cooper, Charlie Kirk and Callum Ainley.

Crewe have struggled for results in League One this season and Davis says it is never easy bringing players into that tough environment but he believes that he will only benefit from the experience.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “The young lads have had to grow up fast. They have come into the team when it has not been doing so well and that is tough. It is easier to come into a team that is winning games and is flying. That only enhances their confidence.

“With the injuries we have had we have had to rely on them at times to start games or come off the bench and I have been delighted with the progress they have made. Players like Charlie and Callum are ahead of schedule and they have shown that they are talented lads when they come off the bench.

“They have had to come into games when we have not been winning or are drawing the game and there is a lot of pressure involved with that when you are towards the bottom the league. They don’t want to make a mistake that could cost the team and to be fair to them they have played with a great maturity.

“It will only serve as a great experience for them because they are seeing the other side of the game where it isn’t all about their own development but making sure we pick up points.

   The boss added: “It is difficult for senior professionals to play under that pressure, so I am pleased with the progress they are making.”