JAMES Baillie hopes to build on his breakthrough season at Crewe Alexandra when their League One campaign begins next month.

The Warrington-born defender made 14 first-team appearances last season, establishing himself in Steve Davis’ side when captain Matt Tootle was sidelined through injury.

With Tootle moving to Shrewsbury this summer, 19-year-old Baillie wants to make the right back spot his own.

“I didn’t really go into the season with any expectations, I just wanted to do as well as I could,” said the former Lymm High School student about his debut campaign.

“The first game of the season I made my debut, and then I was in and out of the team.

“The captain was playing in my position, so I didn’t really think I would be playing.

"It came quicker than expected and it was amazing, you couldn’t beat it.

"I had a good Christmas period, then and it was in and out.

"Towards the end I didn’t play much – I would’ve liked to – but I’m just keeping going this year.

“I want to get as many games as possible under my belt and see if I can improve from last year by getting more starts than last year.”

Baillie spent time in Manchester United’s youth academy before re-signing for Crewe at under 14s level.

“It was always going to help being at United,” explained Baillie.

“But it was a good decision to come back to Crewe at the time."

And he wants to help the Alex avoid a relegation battle this time around while continuing to play the football they are renowned for.

"I had a good season with the under 15s and 16s at Crewe and got my scholarship from that.

“He (Davis) said we need to set our standards higher this year," he added.

"We’ve had a tough couple of seasons but he’s set our targets higher to see if we can play more football and get up the league.

“Any footballer is happy when a team plays like that. It’s a lot more fun and aesthetically pleasing for the fans.

"If you're young and playing, then teams will be watching. But I don’t want to get too ahead of myself, if I play well that will sort itself out.

"I just want to set a target of playing more games this season.

“We’ve got a derby against Port Vale on August 8, so if we can beat them it will be a good start to the season.”