Alex keeper on some important friendly games

Crewe goalkeeper Steve Phillips is looking forward to getting a full pre-season under his belt in the build-up to the 2013/14 season.

Last summer, Phillips’ preparation for the new term was hampered by a knee injury, and the experienced keeper is now determined to get a full preparation.

Phillips is relishing the competition of Alan Martin as well as the emerging Ben Garratt, and says he expects a battle to remain as the Alex number one next term.

This is another reason why Phillips feels pre-season will be crucial as he hopes to stake his claim for the Alex number one-shirt during the important friendly games.

Phillips told crewealex.net: “We have some superb fixtures in pre-season which are brilliant for the club and the fans, and it will give us a real test which is what pre-season is for.

“We need testing, some teams we will probably win comfortably but you need all types of games so you know where you are in relation to the start of the season.

“For me, this pre-season is important after missing last year. I hope to play as many games as I can next season if I can stay injury free, so hopefully I can get as many games as possible in pre-season and stake my claim.”