Steve Davis says sports science will play important role over busy festive period.

Steve Davis has told the club’s official web-site that he will keep a close eye on his players as they prepare for the demands of playing two games in three days over the festive period.

Crewe Alexandra travel to Rochdale on Boxing Day before hosting Shrewsbury Town just two days later at Gresty Road.

It is always a challenging period for any footballer and Davis has hinted that he may make changes to cope with the demands of having little time to recover.

Ahead of the double-header, Steve told the club’s official web-site: “We have those two games in a short space of time. We have to try and get the balance right for the game on Boxing Day and then the Shrewsbury game just two days later. It is tough on the body and there is where the sports science comes in.

“We will assess the players after the Rochdale game and see who is showing signs of fatigue. I will look at it and may make changes if I think they are necessary. That is when it is important to have a strong squad.

He added: “There is not a long period to recover and get over possible knocks, so it is important that we have players who are close to 100% as they can be.”