Nick Powell In Opening Day Squad

Youngster Nick Powell is to be named in the squad for the opening day fixture against Hereford United tomorrow afternoon.

The 16 year old has been given the number 25 shirt and is likely to be given a spot on the bench tomorrow after shining in pre season training. Powell also made his first team bow in a pre season friendly against Blackpool last month, impressing with a 30 minute cameo at the end of the match.

Regarded as one of the brightest prospects at the club, Powell has been courted by the likes of Arsenal in recent times, though his future is secure having signed a long term scholarship this summer.

An attacking midfielder and an England U-17 international, Powell was not expected to be called to the first team quite so quickly but Dario's hand was forced after an impressing summer from the youngster.

Dario told crewealex.net that Powell is now ready.

'Nick will be in the squad tomorrow. He is a very talented boy and maybe he is ready. You never really know until you put them in but he absorbs information quickly and listens.

'He can play that midfield role and his performances of late merit his promotion to the first-team squad.'

Meanwhile, Steve Phillips and Carl Martin will be the only two absentees tomorrow with Dario having an almost fully fit side to choose from. Phillips and Martin face long spells on the sideline whilst Clayton Donaldson recovered just in time to take his spot up front tomorrow.