David Artell pleased with youngsters' response

David Artell was delighted with the way George Cooper responded on his return to the Crewe starting line-up against Leyton Orient on Saturday. Cooper created Ryan Wintle’s headed goal from a corner, scored the third and hit the post with a splendid effort in the second half as Crewe romped to a 3-0 win over the now relegated O’s.

Cooper was rested on Easter Monday, as Crewe slumped to a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Yeovil Town but with Jordan Bowery unable to face his parent club, the door re-opened for the influential youngster.

Artell told crewealex.net: “I thought George was terrific and he reacted well. I don’t know if he felt he had a point to prove to people, but his reaction was first class.

“George needed a rest. We have to remember that he is only 19. Just because he was played 100 games doesn’t mean he is going to be brilliant every week. He is going to have off days.

“He was terrific amongst others and I was pleased with all of them.”