Crewe Alexandra manager Steve Davis has full confidence that George Cooper can hit his previous heights following a dip in form.

The 19-year-old burst onto the scene when making 25 appearances for the Railwaymen last season, scoring three goals in the process.

Cooper has been restricted to just three starts so far this campaign, however, with illness curtailing his recent involvement in the first-team fold.

Davis now hopes that a run-out for Crewe's Under-21s side in Monday afternoon's meeting with Sheffield United could act as a springboard for the youngster to starting rebuilding his confidence.

"George has gone through what most young players go through," the Alexandra boss told the club's official website. "He has had a dip in form and that happens. When he came into the team last season, he hit the ground running and scored some important goals for us.

"It all happened very quickly for him and when you first get into the team, you can play on the adrenaline of it all and no one really knows much about you. He was in the limelight and played with no fear but teams can become aware of you and you have to adjust to that as well.

"It can be difficult for a young player. Young players can have those dips and then it can affect their confidence. It is all part of that development, but George is working hard to recover his form. He will come out of it and it doesn't alter what he think about him here."

Cooper has spent his entire career at Crewe, having come through the League One side's youth ranks.