STEVE Davis has denied any rift with centre-half Mark Ellis.

The 24-year-old has been left on the bench during Crewe’s indifferent start to the season – prompting some supporters to speculate why.

One of the key performers in last season’s successful League One campaign, Ellis has seen the Alex concede 10 goals in their first five games.

Davis insists it is purely down to form.

“Mark, in his own words, had not done well enough in pre-season to get his place,” he explained.

“I think he assumed to a certain degree he would be an automatic choice after last season’s performances but I don’t do that.

“I don’t have favourites.

“But he has been working very hard in training ever day and his chance will come, maybe at Swindon on Saturday.

“I want that attitude.

“I want them knocking on my door, I don’t want them to be content with being out of the team.

“I think there has been talk that Max (Clayton) doesn’t like me as well by the trolls on the internet.

“But I have a great working relationship with all the players.

“I have total respect for them and they have respect for me.

“Part of football is being in the team or out and it’s how you deal with it that is important.”

Davis insists he was right to start the season with George Ray alongside his son Harry at the heart of the defence.

“George deserved to start after the pre-season he had,” he added.

“He was close to being our best centre-back and if you do well you should be rewarded.

“He’s made mistakes but we all have.

“He’s a young lad.

“Nick Powell made mistakes and so did Ashley Westwood.

“It’s just at centre-half and at goalkeeper, you get punished a bit more for your errors.

“He’s probably had his biggest text at Orient and maybe we’ll have another look at it now.

“Whatever we decide, the experience will have done him more good than harm.”

New signing Brad Inman pressed his claims to start at Swindon by scoring in this week’s 4-2 friendly defeat against Burnley.

Nathan Ellington was also on the mark and Davis will decide on his future and fellow trialist Luke Giverin before departing to face The Robins.