Steve says he is weighing up positives against the negatives in regards to Ellington

Steve Davis has told the club’s official web-site that he has to weigh up his options regarding a decision over trialist Nathan Ellington. The 31-year-old hit his fourth goal in four games for the club’s Under-21s at Birmingham on Monday and the Crewe boss has suggested that any deal may be concluded over the next few days.

Davis has never doubted the striker’s ability, but continues to assess his overall fitness levels before deciding whether to offer the former Wigan, Watford and Ipswich man a short-term deal.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “Obviously I have to think about the future of the club and that is our young players and I didn't want to do anything which is detrimental to them.

“I have to think about them being pushed down the pecking order if another one comes in. Here at Crewe it is important that we play our younger players and if they play well then they get a chance here.

A player of Nathan's quality is difficult to bring into a football club like ours, he is a proven goal-scorer at the very top level and financially it is difficult. If we are to do something, and I am still weighing up the option then we'd have to see what sort of financial packet he'd be looking for, whether we could afford it, and whether he wants to do it.

“I haven't totally made my mind up. I can only judge by what I see and he has caught the eye, but it is a difficult decision because of the impact it could have on our young players. But it could be positive because they could learn from him. It's whether the positives outweigh the negatives.”