David Artell reveals he said sorry to Ollie Finney after handing him his full debut ina two-man midfield away at Northampton.

Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell has admitted that he apologised to Ollie Finney after he handed him his full-debut in a two-man midfield against Northampton back in November. Crewe lost the game 2-0 at the Sixfields Stadium and Finney was caught in possession for both goals.

Artell admits that he was wrong to have selected the Stoke-born youngster for his debut in that type of physical game.

Finney operated in a three-man midfield against Crawley on Saturday and arguably he deserved a goal for his all-round performance. Although he didn’t manage to get on the scoresheet for the first time in our emphatic 6-1 victory, Finney still played a major role in helping us to get back to winning ways.

Artell told the club’s official website: “Ollie has had to fight for his chance. He has been consistent for the Under-23s all season and has scored double figures at that level but Saturday was still his only second start in the league.

“He is one we have had to wait for. He wasn’t ready at 17,18, 19 but he showing that consistency now and he is getting goals.

“He made his league debut at Northampton and I got that wrong that day. It was poor management for me and I took the responsibility for that. I played him in a two-man midfield against one of the most physical midfields in the league. It wasn’t the best place to give him his debut and he ended up being culpable for a couple of goals that day.

“I was to blame for that and I later apologised to him for putting him in that environment for his full debut and Ollie being Ollie shrugged his shoulders and got on with it. It was poor from me.

David added: “Now in a three man midfield at home and against a footballing side, he showed what he is capable of. He was terrific for us and he just needed that goal to go along with the performance.”