Crewe boss Dario Gradi backs Nick Powell after red card

Nick Powell represented England at the Under-17 World Cup in Mexico

Crewe manager Dario Gradi believes Nick Powell will learn from his red card in the 2-0 defeat at Shrewsbury.

The 17-year-old was sent off for a studs-up challenge, eight minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.

"It didn't have to be a red card," Gradi told BBC Radio Stoke. "He went in with his studs showing but he didn't do any harm to the lad.

"That's youth for you. If he'd been in the first team for two or three seasons I might be a bit upset about that."

The Crewe boss added: "He came on during the week [in the 2-1 defeat against Rotherham] and did really well, so he's going in the right direction."

Powell broke into the first-team set up at Crewe last season and made his first Football League start in the opening-day defeat at Swindon.

The Alex have lost all five matches that they have played in all competitions so far this season and are the only team yet to register a point in League Two.

"We've got to stick together and it was interesting going across to the fans at the end," said Gradi.

"There are some that would rather have a change of manager and there are others that are clapping.

"I think I'm in the same category. Half of me is clapping and the other half says 'change the manager' because you can't keep having bad results.

"I don't give up without a fight. I want to see this team play and do well."