Carl Martin could make his first Football League start on Saturday

Crewe defender Carl Martin has said he has been on a "massive learning curve" following the criticism he received from manager Dario Gradi.

Martin was labelled "ultra-stupid" by Gradi after being sent off in the 4-2 victory against Grimsby on 9 March.

"It's been a massive learning curve for me," the former Wealdstone defender told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I was very disappointed to get sent off because I wanted to be involved in the big games after that Grimsby game."

After serving a three-match suspension, Martin returned to first-team action on Monday, coming off the bench and scoring his first ever goal in the Football League in the 2-1 defeat by Cheltenham.

"When it went in I was over the moon," said Martin. "But then it hits you at the end of the game that you've lost and it doesn't mean anything.

"But I've got my first one as a professional and I'm delighted with that."

Gradi told BBC Radio Stoke after the Cheltenham defeat that Martin will probably start the home game against Shrewsbury on Saturday.

"We'll give him the chance to establish himself," said the Crewe boss. "These chances have got to be earned.

"We've got one or two of the boys are coming to me saying they're not getting a chance, but Carl has earned his chance."

Meanwhile Crewe have handed contracts to academy graduates George Ray, Max Clayton, Ben Garratt, Brendan Daniels and Nick Powell.

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