David Artell has told the club’s official website that he would not be afraid to provide an opportunity for the younger players in his squad if they can show consistency in training and for the Development squad.

The Crewe Alexandra boss says that the door is very much open for any of his players to stake their place for inclusion in the first team squad.  

Artell has already handed first-team opportunities to the likes of Billy Sass-Davies, Owen Dale, Ollie Finney, Harry Pickering and Lewis Reilly since becoming manager. Josh Lundstram has also been included on the first team bench  

“I don’t tend to think of it first teamers and non-first teamers. The opportunity is there for all of them. They get a genuine chance here, every day they go out to train, ‘said David.

“If they do well in training and then do well in the Under-23s then they will get their opportunities. It doesn’t matter if they are first year professionals, if they perform for the Under-23s then they can push themselves forward.

He added: “The senior players here know they have to fight for their places because the younger ones want their shirt. Just because they are senior players doesn’t mean they will be selected. The aim is for all of them to get into the team and stay in the team, regardless of their age or how much experience they have.”