Crewe Alexandra youngster Ollie Finney firms believes he is now ready if he is handed an opportunity against Manchester City’s Under-21s this evening. The Staffordshire-born midfielder has waited patiently for his chances at first team level and he is hoping that his recent performances for the Under-23s will see him handed one at some point tonight.

Finney has made two substitute appearances at first-team level against Barnet on the final day of the 2016/17 season and then away at Carlisle United last season.

Now the 20-year-old former Academy graduate is aiming to press his claim at first team level after recently impressing in a new midfield role at Development level.

Finney told us: “I think I have been doing well of late, well better than I was. I am playing in a slightly new position in midfield and that allows me to get forward more and create and score goals. I’ve been pleased with the way things have gone and all I can do is see where that form will take me.

“I have played Under-23s for a few years now and I really feel as I am ready to make that step up now into the first team squad.

“I’ve had a little taste of it as a substitute and have been on the bench a number of times but I would love the chance to see what I can do at that level.

“It can be hard to see your mates go out there and play most weeks but they are still your mates and you want them to do well. You do think though when is my chance coming? I just want to be out there with them.”