Callum Davies' Gillingham debut ended abruptly with his first-half dismissal. Picture: Barry Goodwin

By Alex Hoad

Andy Hessenthaler revealed tearful 17-year-old Callum Davies apologised to him for being sent off 26 minutes into his Gillingham debut against Crewe.

Hessenthaler admitted he was "devastated" for youth team captain Davies, who only learned he was starting at centre-back 90 minutes before the kick-off and saw red for a professional foul on Clayton Donaldson.

The Gills boss said: "It was never a sending off. It was a very harsh decision. I am absolutely devastated for him.

"He started the game really well. He’s 17-years-old, makes his debut and it goes against him.

"The kid’s in tears. He said sorry. I said ‘You don’t have to say sorry to me’. He was outstanding."

He added: "I had a lump in my throat for him. He had his family there.

"He’s a good player and he’s got a bright future. We think a lot of him."