Bell wants youngsters to be targeting first-team

Crewe manager Bell urges young players who debuted in the EFL Trophy to use the experience as motivation for future first-team opportunities.

Crewe Alexandra fielded four youth players in Tuesday's EFL Trophy match against Blackpool, including 16-year-old striker Joel Ewusi and 17-year-old centre-back Tom Graves in the starting XI. The match ended 2-2 before Crewe lost 4-2 on penalties. Manager Lee Bell praised the youngsters' character and application but warned they cannot rely on one appearance—they must replicate that performance in training and upcoming matches to earn further selection.