Big Ben back in the frame for Cup tie.

Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis has praised the professionalism and attitude of Ben Nugent as he prepares to start against Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup. Due to the form of Harry Davis and Jon Guthrie, Nugent has been limited to just four appearances this season but he was called upon against Plymouth on Saturday following a hamstring injury to Zoumana Bakayogo and a defensive reshuffle will see the former Cardiff City man come back into the frame.

Nugent was even used in the closing stages against the Pilgrims as a target man and his presence certainly saw him win the majority of the aerial balls played up to him. The club did some work with Nugent as an emergency centre-forward due to the lack of a target man in our squad.

It has been a frustrating time for Nugent, 23, after he played 42 games in all competitions last season, but he has kept himself going in the Development Squad and has trained well.

Davis said of the competitive defender: “If Ben had not been as professional as he has been and got himself ready both mentally and physically then he wouldn’t have been ready.

“He would have known the two centre-halves are a yellow card away from a suspension and with the injuries we have had, he has got his opportunity.

“Ben has wanted to play in the U-23 games. With the injuries we have had and the defenders a caution away from a suspension, we didn’t want him to play but he has asked to play in them and travelled down to Colchester to play in that one. His attitude has been very good and he will be pleased that his chance has come along.

“Now he has to come in, perform well and if he does then he will stay in. He is the best in the air at the club, along with George (Ray) so we put him up there on Saturday. I think he won every header and he was a menace to them in the air.

The boss added: “Ben is always competitive and has that physicality in his game, so it would be a good one to bring him back for because Cheltenham are more physical than us.”