Ben determined to hang on to number one shirt

Young goalkeeper Ben Garratt says that talk of the club bringing in another goalkeeper on loan has not affected him. Garratt, 19, has been in great form of late, none more so that making a double save to deny James Hanson at Bradford last weekend.

The England youth international has displaced the more experienced Steve Phillips and seen off the challenge from Alan Martin, who left the club by mutual consent in January. Boss Steve Davis had been targeting a new goalkeeper on loan but has revealed this week that he has put that move on hold due to Garratt’s consistent performances.

Ben, who is set to make 14th appearance for the first team against Brentford this weekend believes he has to play well to keep his place ahead of Phillips never mind a new one coming in.

Garratt told Crewe Alex Player: “I know I still have a long way to go and I won’t rest on my laurels. I’ll keep working hard to improve and hopefully that will show in my performances.

“Hopefully I'm proving to everyone I am good enough. It is nice to be praised by anyone, especially fellow professionals.

He added: “I want to stay in the team whatever it takes. I want to do my talking on the pitch and hopefully my performances keep me in. I want to show it is not necessary to bring someone else in - I can do the job. I feel capable.”