Crewe Alexandra: Ryan Lowe happy to pay out on George Cooper bonus

Ryan Lowe has a career tally of 209 goals, 173 of which have come in the Football League for eight different clubs

Veteran Crewe striker Ryan Lowe has revealed that young team-mate George Cooper is on an "assist bonus" to keep him supplied him with chances.

Lowe's seventh goal of the season, Saturday's equaliser at League Two promotion rivals Luton Town, was the second set up for him by Cooper.

"I've actually got him on an assist bonus," Alex captain Lowe, 38, told BBC Radio Stoke. "And that's two now.

"It's not hundreds and thousands. Just more of a gesture maybe at Christmas."

Lowe, who is twice 19-year-old Cooper's age, was brought back by Alex boss Steve Davis in May not just for his goalscoring skills, but also as an experienced dressing room mentor.

"You've got to build a relationship with these players, especially someone like George with the quality he's got," added Lowe. "You want him to put balls in the box like that.

"They're putting the ball on the money and, if they keep doing that, there's only one thing coming and that's goals.

"It's nice for me to be able to say to him 'if you can feed me goals, then I'll look after you', whether it's taking him out for a meal or buying him drinks on a Christmas night out."

Lowe's career tally now stands at 209 goals, 173 of which have come in the Football League for eight different clubs - Shrewsbury Town, Chester, Crewe, Stockport County, Bury, Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons and Tranmere Rovers.

Crewe are seventh in League Two, four points behind the automatic promotion places.

Tom Lowery made his competitive Crewe debut in the EFL Trophy tie against Wolves' Under-23s

Lowe likes the look of Lowery

Another Crewe teenager to impress Lowe has been 18-year-old Tom Lowery, who came on a half-time substitute at Luton on Saturday to make his league debut.

"He's been chomping at the bit," said Lowe of the 5ft 6in midfielder. "He's been the best player in training since I came back here and he's shown what he's got.

"He came on and looked like he'd played 100 games. I call him our Iniesta, because he has all the ability in the world.

"Size may play a part when you're five foot nothing, but when you see someone like Tom put himself around and show he wasn't scared to get on the ball, you know if he'll make it anywhere then it will be here.

"Fair play to the gaffer and the coaching staff for giving him a chance and fair play to the kid himself as he played with no fear and did a job.

Lowery, from Holmes Chapel, signed a one-year-deal in May but the club have the option to extend that by a further 12 months.