Alex boss says young players have to grab their opportunities with both hands.

David Artell says that professional footballers have to give their all every day to make a career out of the game. The Crewe Alexandra boss enjoyed a 19-year career at various clubs and captained the Railwaymen to promotion to EFL League One in 2012 before being released himself that summer.

Artell says that young players have to ‘keep at it’ or risk being lost to the game for good.

The Crewe boss told the club’s official web-site: “It is every player’s duty to perform every day. They will have bad days like everyone else but they have to give their all. They have to try their best because if you work in an office and the boss comes in and says you are going to be tested today and you don’t really fancy it, then you are in trouble.

“Football as a profession should be no different. I want them to give their best and have that desire to keep on improving.

“Young players have to understand that football can be brutal. You have to make the most of your ability and there are a lot of young players being lost from the game.

 He added: “At the top level they probably get too much too early and by the time they are 22, 23, they are out of the game. It is sad to see but that is how ruthless the game can be.”