Boss Steve Davis says experienced defender ld by example at Crawley

With Matt Tootle struggling with heavy flu symptoms and unlikely to be risked for this weekend’s FA Cup tie against Sheffield United his close friend Adam Dugdale is likely to deputise as captain once again. The Liverpool-born centre-half was handed the captain’s armband at Crawley last weekend and he was once again excellent in a back three.

Dugdale was named at the back alongside a fit again Harry Davis and a recalled Jon Guthrie with full debutant James Baillie at right wing back and 20-year-old loanee Greg Leigh on the left. A really resilient display saw Crewe pick up a point with a squad possessing an average age of 22.

Steve Davis praised Dugdale’s leadership qualities in the absence of the unwell Tootle: “Duggy was good. He always embraces the captaincy and it would have been a proud moment for him because he enjoys the extra responsibility and the responsibility of trying to get a result for the club.

“In Toots’ absence, he was the obvious choice. There was only Harry (Davis) who could have been the captain but he has been out for a large amount of time and it was his first game back.

    “The back three were excellent at Crawley and were one of the main reasons why we were able to get a point last week. I thought it was one of our best performances and results of the season with the group we took down there.”