David Artell remains convinced that 23-year-old George Ray will continue to improve and develop under his guidance. Artell led Crewe Alexandra to promotion via the play-offs in 2012 and he is looking to Ray to lead by example if he signs his new contract this summer.

Artell is confident that the former Wales Under-21 defender will extend his stay at the Football Club and he went on record to say that talks between the two have been ‘ultra- positive.’

Artell has hinted that he would look to Ray to captain the Crewe side again after successfully doing so in the second half of last season. Artell handed the Warrington-based defender the armband after succeeding Steve Davis in early January.

Artell told crewealex.net: “Critics would say that George would be top drawer and then make a mistake in his fifth or sixth game that would prove costly.

“Well, he didn’t make any for me. He didn’t put a foot wrong from January until he was injured at Yeovil towards the end of the season.

“He has shown a great maturity and I think he is accepting how integral he is for the team and the squad. He was playing really well until he got that untimely injury.

“I want him to be here and show us how good he is again. If he does as well as he did last season then I’m sure it won’t be too long before other clubs take an interest and we send him on his merry way.

David added: “I know I can help him. I was a player in his position and I know I can help him become even better in the future.”