Crewe Alexandra youngster Callum Ainley did his chances no harm with a productive performance against Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.

With midfielder Paul Green struggling with a slight calf strain, Ainley started for the first time this season against the League One outfit and didn’t disappoint before being subbed late on for Lewis Reilly with penalties in mind.

The 20-year-old has previously been introduced as an impact substitute in our opening two league games of the season against Morecambe and Newport County.

Now the Middlewich-based youngster will be hoping that he has done enough to warrant a possible start against Milton Keynes Dons at the weekend.

Manager David Artell told the club’s official website: “I thought Callum was terrific for us on Tuesday night. He went on one incredible run in the first half and he so nearly slipped Jordan (Bowery) in at the end of it.

“We know what a good player he is and he will play a lot more games for this football club. We all know what a terrific prospect he is and he has just needed a bit of TLC because he hasn’t started the season.

“It is a long season and we know how important Callum is for us.”