Steve Davis hoping to have influential midfielders available for Pompey visit.

Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis will assess the fitness levels of midfielder Billy Bingham and George Cooper ahead of this weekend’s opening home game of the season against Portsmouth.

Bingham was withdrawn at half-time after being caught on his foot by Chris Basham. He reappeared at the interval to try and run it off but was unable to continue. He was replaced by young Perry Ng, who performed admirably at right-back with Ollie Turton moving into central midfield.

Cooper was arguably Crewe’s best performer in the 90 minutes but he was struggling with a tight hamstring in extra-time and had to be helped out on the right by the excellent Chris Dagnall.

Crewe are hoping to have Callum Ainley back in contention for the visit of Pompey after he missed last night’s 2-1 at Bramall Lane with a slight groin problem.

Alex boss Steve Davis also has a selection dilemma to make after giving all four of his centre-havles a run out in the opening two games of the season.