Alan Martin remains in the side after Phillips is given time off after his wife gives birth to a baby boy

Steve Phillips’ wife Liz has given birth to a baby boy and Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis has allowed his experienced goalkeeper to have some time off to spend with his young family. Phillips, 35, has trained this week but will now not travel to Wycombe Wanderers after being given permission to have the weekend off.

Phillips was rested against Bradford City last weekend, with Alan Martin recalled for his first start since Swindon Town away in late August. The former Leeds United stopper got the nod just ahead of youngster Ben Garratt.

Steve Davis explained to the clubs’ official web-site: “Steve’s wife gave birth yesterday so we have given him some more time off to spend with his family. He won’t travel with us this weekend but will be back in Monday.

“Alan came back in last weekend and showed similar form to the start of last season. He didn’t start this season as well as we would have liked. He didn’t do well enough and that is by his own admission as well.

“The Swindon performance was disappointing when he conceded five goals and he had some trouble with his hip. Steve came in, did well and kept his place.

“With us giving Steve a rest last week, Alan realised it was an opportunity for him and trained well. It was a close run thing with Ben. I was very close to handing him his first start of the season.

He added: “It went well for Alan. He made a game saving save to deny James Hanson in the second half and he took his chance. Now he has to follow it up and do that every week.”