Alan Tate would be natural replacement for injured Dugdale

Steve Davis says that the experienced defender Alan Tate would be the perfect replacement for the injured Adam Dugdale if the Alex boss elects to remain with the three-at-the-back system.

Tate’s loan deal from Swansea City expires on Christmas Eve and Steve has until the beginning of January to decide whether to try and extend his loan agreement because his current 93 days limit is up.

Tate, 32, has made six appearances whilst on loan at Crewe and although the centre-half has returned to the squad in recent weeks, his last outing came in the 1-0 win over Peterborough back in October.

With Tate in the side, Crewe did enjoy three straight wins, before he untimely aggravated his calve in training.

Ahead of this weekend’s visit of Bristol City, Steve told us: “Alan is fine and trained well over the last few weeks.

“If he does come back into it then he will certainly bring vast experience. He would just slot in and knows the job. It would be a natural replacement if that is the way we want to go.

“His loan deal is up on Christmas Eve and it is something we will certainly assess over the next couple of weeks. Alan has done well and has helped the team both on and off the pitch.

He added: “I am sure Alan has enjoyed himself here as well and it would be a nice way to finish, if it is his last game with us, by getting something from the league leaders.”