Steve says fringe players have to ready and able when call comes

January away at Barnsley. ^thSteve Davis says the strength of his squad will come into play in the second half of the season, as injuries, tiredness and suspensions may take their toll. The Alex boss has challenged his fringe players to be ready and able and he will be looking for performances in the club’s Under-21s when they resume their own fixtures again on 14

The Crewe manager told crewealex.net: “The squad will be important, like it was for us last season and things can change very quickly. Kelvin Mellor only came into the team in March and went through until the end of the season for us. That can happen.

“It is my job to manage the squad and use players when others may be in need of a rest. Others may have a dip in form, or suffer an injury or suspension. That is why I need everyone to be ready if needed. They need to be available and ready to come in if needs be.

“Opportunities are sure to come along and it is up to a few of them to take it. It is a long season and they have every opportunity to show they are good enough in training and once we resume the Under-21s fixtures.”