A YOUNG midfielder described as the best ever graduate from Crewe Alexandra’s famous academy is likely to be the biggest threat to Southend United in their play-off semi-final.

Eighteen-year-old Nick Powell is the man hitting the headlines and has already been watched by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson this season.

But Blues’ player-coach Graham Coughlan is also fully aware of the talent the youngster possesses.

And the Irishman knows Powell will be a danger this weekend.

“The lad Powell has been doing well and looks to be a good player,” said Coughlan.

“Crewe have a great record of producing fine youngsters and he seems like another one.

“He’s certainly getting the attention up there at the moment but Crewe have some other excellent players as well, so we can’t be focusing only on him.”

However, it was Powell who certainly stole the show at the club’s end of season awards dinner as he won all five of the trophies on offer.

That delighted the Railwaymen’s assistant manager Neil Baker and he has been impressed by Powell’s skills.

“It will take a lot of doing but he could be the best of the bunch we’ve had here because he’s a special player,” said Baker.

“He’s a great individual and he also works hard for the team as well.

“He may be better than any of the players we’ve had before and we’ve had some special players over the years.”

Crewe also launched the careers of Neil Lennon, Dean Ashton, Danny Murphy, David Platt, Rob Jones and Robbie Savage.

And Powell is now being tipped to follow in their footsteps.

He has scored 15 times already this season and is currently being valued at around £2.5million.

Right now, his sights are set on securing promotion.

Yet Coughlan has been equally impressed by his attacking team-mates.

“The front four of Crewe are all very dangerous, not just Powell,” said Coughlan.

“They have Bodin, Moore and Leitch-Smith, who are excellent players, and Westwood and Murphy pull the strings in midfield.

“They are also very well organised, but let’s not forget we’re a good side too.”

Crewe go in to the game having not lost in 16 games.

But they have triumphed in just two of their last seven outings.

Steve Davis’ side also conceded 28 goals at home in the league this season and that is higher than any other team in the top half of the table.