Justin Cochrane's three-year stay at Crewe Alexandra could be drawing to a close after the 23-year-old midfielder requested a move away from Gresty Road.

Alex boss Dario Gradi confirmed today that he has circulated Cochrane's name for transfer or loan after the Hackney born player asked to pursue a first team opportunity elsewhere having failed to secure a regular starting spot with the Railwaymen.

Cochrane, signed for an undisclosed fee from non-league Hayes FC in the summer of 2003, made an instant impression in the Alex side and proved to be influential in his first season at Gresty Road, immediately becoming a favourite of the Alex faithful.

However he has struggled to win a regular starting spot over the past two seasons.

"He asked if he could go and I don't think he is going to get into my team." Dario told Crewe Alex World today

"It's difficult to break into that midfield and then we have the likes of Lee Bell, Tony Grant and Michael O'Connor who are all probably ahead of him.

"I think Justin's best game for us was his first game in the friendly against Everton. He hasn't quite managed to reproduce that form since and I can't afford to put him in the team to see if he can reproduce it,

"So perhaps it's time for Justin to go and see if he can reproduce that form at another club.

"I know the fans like him and I am not biased against him in any way. He is a super lad, a model professional and a model player."

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