Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says he has been nothing but impressed after watching David Unsworth’s Everton youngsters in action this season. Crewe face the Blues in our final Group E encounter needing to win by two clear goals to make sure we progress to the knockout stages of the newly named Leasing.com Trophy.

Everton’s Under-21s have already beaten Burton 2-0 and Mansfield on penalities to top the group and Artell is expecting a tough challenge again this evening.

The Crewe boss told crewealex.net: “I’ve seen Everton this season and they have some good young players in that group.

“They will be a different type of opponent and play differently to a lot of clubs we face in League Two. I expect another tough game and the incentive is there for both of us to win the game and progress in the competition.

“Our objective is to win the game and take it from there.

He added: “This game could give opportunities to some and the younger ones, like your Rios and Travis’ have taken their chances and they are in the full front of my mind.”