Mat Mitchel-King has fulfilled many roles since joining Crewe Alexandra from Histon two summers ago. He was originally bought in as a holding midfielder player under previous boss Gudjon Thordarson but was soon converted into a central defender once Dario Gradi succeeded the Icelander in October last year.
Utility man Mitchel-King has now been asked to fill in at right-back in place of the injured Matt Tootle and looks set to keep his place for Saturday's first ever trip to Stevenage.
Dario Gradi says that Mitchel-King's experience will make him an able replacement: "I know Lincoln were relieved that Matt Tootle wasn't fit because he is the type of full-back who gets up-and-down the pitch.
"I didn't particularly want Mat Mitchel-King to be rampaging forward at Lincoln because that would have seen him suffer late on. He was tired at the end of the game because a lot of things he has to do from that position are alien to him.
"Mat is a great bloke and he certainly didn't let us down. He is another man amongst the boys there and he won't be fazed. We will do some more work with them during the week.
"I am not saying he is a right-back but he could be. He has played a few positions in his career and I am sure he will improve because of the experience. He is a good footballer and that allows him to play in defence and in midfield if necessary. He has a great character and take things in his stride." 
