Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell says he has no qualms about turning to the young players in his squad if he believes they warrant a chance on merit.

Artell introduced teenager Harry Pickering as a late substitute against Bolton Wanderers last night and he has included young defender Billy Sass-Davies in his two match day squads so far this season. Young forward Owen Dale has also been pressing for his debut at senior level after being named on the substitutes on a number of occasions.

Artell told crewealex.net: “I have no qualms about playing the younger ones. That is what this club is all about. Harry Pickering is 18 and he came on. He was fantastic at Bury in pre-season and he might play Saturday yet, I haven’t decided yet.

The boss added: “Billy is 17, a centre half and I have no qualms about putting him in there. It applies to all of them; they wouldn’t be on the bench or at the club if I didn’t think they had great potential. I know they would do a job for the team if I needed them.”