Boss says Uche gap means forward have to show their ability to stay in the team

Steve Davis has thrown down the challenge to his attacking players for them to step up to the plate during the second half of the season. The Alex boss and his staff worked tirelessly on deadline day to try and find a replacement for Uche Ikpeazu and were unfortunate to miss out on one mid-afternoon.

With Ikpeazu moving to Doncaster Rovers on loan, the Alex boss has challenged his attackers to grab their chance. Lauri Dalle Valle started for the first time this season against the MK Dons on Saturday and it is hoped that he can form a threating partnership with the in-form Nicky Ajose to move Crewe away from the relegation zone.

The Alex has hinted that he may re-enter the market again once it re-opens again for Football League clubs in a week’s time, but he wants his in-house players to stake their claim in two vital fixtures against fellow strugglers Colchester and Yeovil Town.

Crewe boss Steve Davis said: “Of course any successful team needs goals within the team and we do have creative players in forward positions.

“With Uche moving on it is time for others to step up. They have a chance to stake their claim and the two or three who are in the best form will play. It is as simple as that.

“Lauri and Nicky started on Saturday but we also have Marcus (Haber) who has been quiet for a period now. Brad has been injured and ill but he is back now and will be pushing.

“We also have Ryan Colclough back training but he is still a long way short of match fitness and youngsters George Cooper and Callum Saunders in the squad as well but we don’t want to be relying too heavily on the youngsters to get us out of trouble.

  He added: “The challenge is there for them to step up in the final part of the season and show the ability they have.”