Boss praises defenders' determination to get back into the side

Steve Davis says he has been pleased with the attitude of his defender Adam Dugdale as he tries to win a place in the Crewe Alexandra starting line-up. The Liverpool-born centre-half was rather unfortunate to lose his starting place following a bout of illness on the eve of our Capital One Cup cup-tie at West Ham back in late August.

The form of Mark Ellis and Harry Davis since then has seen the 25-year-old on the side lines since, but the manager has been impressed with his work ethic in trying to win his place back.

Steve told crewealex.net: “Duggy has got himself going and is working really hard. He has done well in training and is determined to get his place back. He wants to be playing and that is what we want and what we need. He is a valuable member of the squad and having him here means that the two that are in at the moment cannot afford to play below their standard.

“The competition is good there and that is what I want in all positions. Duggy has been doing extra work and kept himself really fit and he just has to wait for an opportunity. Things can change quickly in football and that is how it can go sometimes.”