Davis Artell says youngster Owen Dale could become the latest Academy graduate to make the break through into the first team picture.

David Artell has hinted that youngster Owen Dale may become the latest Academy graduate to break through into the first-team squad. Dale was named on the first team substitutes’ bench on seven occasions last season but the pacey forward is yet to make his senior debut. Dale will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Ollie Finney, Tom Lowery and Harry Pickering by being the next in line to make his breakthrough season.

The boss said: “Last season we had (Alex) Kiwomya on loan and he was lightening quick. Now we have young Owen Dale who has the ability to make those type of runs and get in behind, so we will have to see how he does.

“He has to keep working hard to make sure he gets his chance and then takes it.”