Steve Davis admits he could do with another forward after Uche departure

In the wake of Uche Ikpeazu’s shock departure, Crewe Alexandra will step up a search for another taller and powerful forward to provide more attacking options.

Steve Davis thought he had convinced all of his five loanee players to have re-signed for the remainder of the season was surprised as anyone by Ikpeazu’s recall to Watford.

The influence of the players’ agent may well have played a deciding factor with Ikpeazu being linked with a possible move to another club during the transfer window.

Davis has faith in his attacking players at the club with Nicky Ajose in exceptional form and Lauri Dalla Valle yet to get a regular chance mainly due to Ikpeazu’s presence. George Cooper, Marcus Haber and Bradden Inman will also be given a chance to stake their claim.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “We do have options here with the players we have but I would like to find another big one if I can. We could do with one more.

“We have Nicky and Lauri and young George has done well when he has played. We have more of a target man with Marcus and Brad is training again after being ill and suffering with his back.

“Things can change very quickly in football as we have found out in the last 24 hours, but you have to get on with it and move on. When one door closes another one opens and that is the case here.

“If the players here can play well then they will play. It is as simple as that, but we will look for another one.

He added: “Uche gave us something different. He was a big bustling, old fashioned type of centre-forward and they are not easy to find but we will have a look to see what may be about.”