Thursday Mar 02 2006 11:46
Crewe Alexandra boss Dario Gradi is wary of rushing teenage midfielder Gary Roberts back in to first-team action too quickly.
The 19-year-old missed Saturday's victory against Brighton with a back problem and Gradi will not risk him for this weekend's Championship clash with stuttering Sheffield United.
"Gary has been carrying a bad back for a while and I think the fact I decided to rest him last weekend helped him to realise there was a problem there," said the veteran boss.
"He's one of those who, unless his leg is hanging off, wants to go out there and play. We'll monitor it in case it gets worse, but this is maybe nature's way of saying he needs a rest.
"I've always felt Gary would need a rest and this is probably the best time for him to get it."
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