Striker pressed his claim with game-changing apperance as a substitute

Vadaine Oliver’s wonder goal against Swindon has done his chances of a start at Peterborough this weekend no harm at all. Oliver came off the substitutes’ bench to score a superb individual goal to salvage Crewe Alexandra a point in our battle to escape the drop.

Oliver demonstrated his power and strength to race between two defenders before unleashing an unstoppable shot past the Swindon goalkeeper Tyrell Belford. Ironically, Oliver's only other goal this season came against Saturday's opponents Peterborough United earlier in the season. 

Steve Davis told the club’s official web-site: “Vadaine does give us a different option, a difference dimension up there.

“I didn’t think the front four were combining as well as they have been doing. Against Port Vale they were unplayable but they didn’t hold onto the ball as well against Swindon. We couldn’t get up the pitch and mount any pressure so I thought Billy (Waters) and then Vadaine might spark some life into us.

“Sometimes those changes work sometimes they don’t, but I knew that Vadaine would come on and put himself about. He came on and occupied the centre-halves and won his headers.

“He and Billy linked up the play better. We were more dangerous and we got something from the game because of Vadaine’s fantastic finish.

He added: “I always pick the team on merit and who I think will get us the result. I always pick the best 11 available and I have always backed that decision-making.”