Boss says LDV capture has only improved the competition for places

New signing Lauri Dalla Valle faces a fight to get into the Crewe Alexandra side like everyone else, according to boss Steve Davis. The Crewe Alexandra manager has thrown down the gauntlet to his plethora of striking talent and has gone on record to say that those two or three who are creating and scoring goals will claim the places in his starting line-up.

As well as adding Dalla Valle, 23, on an 18-month contract, he has also added Uche Ikpeazu and Nicky Ajose on loan to his forward options.

Dalle Valle featured for the club’s reserve side at Blackburn Rovers’ training ground yesterday. The Alex went down 1-0 thanks to a headed goal from our former striker Luke Varney.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “The competition in the forward positions is what we wanted to create and it is up to them to come up with the goods. Those in form and those creating and scoring goals will get the shirt.

“Lauri has been fine. He had a couple of days off to return to Finland to get some of his stuff, but he was back to train and play at Blackburn.

“He always plays and trains with great enthusiasm. He plays the game with a smile on his face and we know he can score goals. Now it is up to him to produce and show everyone what he can do.

He added: “He has settled back into it really well, as we thought he would, and is ready to fight for his place.”