Captain Matt Tootle relishing derby battle with ex-team mate.
.Crewe Alexandra captain Matt Tootle admits it will ‘feel weird’ trying to contain our former Academy graduate Byron Moore in this weekend’s local derby. Tootle came up against the skilful winger many times in training sessions and the versatile defender admits that he enjoyed those tussles because of Moore’s extreme pace and ability
Moore made his Port Vale debut last weekend at Peterborough United after missing much of the pre-season due to personal reasons and could be set for a dramatic return to Gresty Road to face his former club.
Ahead of the derby clash, Matt told Crewe Alex Player: “It will be weird to face Byron in a competitive match because I’ve played a lot of games with him and played behind him many times.
“I always felt for the opposition full-back because of his ability and pace. He was always willing to track back the other way as well and help me out. It would have been a nightmare for the opposition because I haven’t seen many players as quick as Byron.
“We used to face each other in training and go one-one-one against me. I always thought that was the best test for me because he had everything. It was a challenge to test myself against him and if it should have happen again on Saturday then I know I will have to play well to contain him.
“It is something I would look forward to and I don’t think people quite realise how good a player Byron was for us. He has great ability and the lads were disappointed to see him leave in the summer.
He added: “I never played with Occy (Michael O’Connor) as he was older than me, but I remember him playing in the first team from an early age when I was in the Academy and he was a real talent.
“He is a really good player as well and there is a strong Crewe connection at Port Vale at the moment which only adds to the occasion.”
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