Gradi's side defeated Premier League newcomers Blackpool on Tuesday

Crewe manager Dario Gradi believes teenager Nick Powell will have learned a lot after making his first-team debut for the Alex in a friendly on Tuesday.

Midfielder Powell, 16, played the final 30 minutes of the 1-0 victory over Premier League newcomers Blackpool.

Gradi told BBC Radio Stoke: "First of all he couldn't get a kick and then he went on a good run and nearly made something out of nothing.

"He's not ready yet but it will have been a good experience for him."

Powell has already represented England at Under-17 level and has been linked with several Premier League clubs, although Gradi is adamant that he will not be leaving the League Two club.

If the players want to play at a higher level, they can't be satisfied with missing chances Crewe manager Dario Gradi

Shaun Miller scored the only goal of the game at the Alexandra Stadium to maintain Crewe's unblemished record during pre-season.

Gradi was unhappy, however, that his team could not make more of the opportunities that they created.

"If the players want to play at a higher level, they can't be satisfied with missing chances," he said. "The next time they get in there, they have to make a better decision.

"Blackpool play a lot of football and we won't face teams that play that way, but we played some decent football, made the chances and didn't look as though we were going to concede."

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