David Artell says Wintle has proved he is reliable

appearance for the first-team but he handled it superbly well. His only start has come this season against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Checkatrade Trophy.^thDavid Artell singled out the maturity and reliability of Ryan Wintle after he was thrust into action against Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening. Crewe lost their captain Danny Hollands through injury just 20 minutes into the game and Artell turned to the 19-year-old to step into the fray. It was only Wintle’s 10

Artell told the club’s official web-site: “I thought Ryan was unbelievable when he came on. It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t the prettiest game to come into it. It wasn’t a typical League Two game and I thought he was terrific.

“Ryan came on and did exactly what we wanted him to do, he screened Akinfenwa, won his headers and was calm and composed when he was on the ball. The boy has come from non-league and he certainly didn’t look out of his depth did he?

“I have said that he has been our most consistent performer for the U-23s this season and he has to keep working hard and improving. I was delighted with him, he was terrific for us.”