Steve says fringe players have to perform to higher level to force their way in.

Crewe Alexandra manager Steve Davis says that his fringe players have to do better if they are going to force their way in the first team reckoning.

The Alex boss was disappointed with the club’s 3-0 defeat to Millwall at Under-23 level on Monday and he says that they have to perform to a higher level if they are going to push themselves forward.

Ahead of this weekend’s home game with Crawley, Steve said: “The fringe players have to do better if they are going to be considered.

“They didn’t perform well enough on Monday against Millwall and they don’t need telling that they have to play better than that if they want to be considered for the first team. They don’t need me in a room telling them that. They will know themselves.

“They have to push those ahead of them and the only way they are going to do that is by performing consistently.”