Centre-half Mat Mitchel-King could be a surprise inclusion in the Crewe Alexandra squad for Friday's visit to Burton Albion. The club captain has missed the club's last two games after going over on his ankle in the 2-1 home defeat by Bournemouth.

Mitchel-King didn't suffer the more serious ankle ligament damage and after overcoming the severe bruising and sprain, he is likely to return to full training this week.

Mitchel-King has a battle on his hand to regain his first-team place - but with Dario clearly unhappy with the two goals we conceded at Rochdale at the weekend he could yet make a change if the former Histon makes progress this week.

Dario told the club's official web-site: "I am hopeful that Mat will train with me this week. I am expecting him to be fit and he could be considered because he hasn't missed that many games.

"He has experience. He hasn't really got that much experience of this league but he has played a lot of games in his career and has improved as a player.

"It is unlikely I will make a change there right away, but the centre-halves didn't defend very well for the first goal on Saturday. They will be going through that with me again because it was poor.

"I would like to perhaps rest them because they have made mistakes but we have tried everyone we have in-house in that position. There will come a time when if they continue to make mistakes then we will have to look for replacements but I am loathed to do that at the moment.

Dario added: "That first goal at Rochdale shouldn't happen again that's for sure and it is something we have to address and will address."