David Artell has reiterated that he won’t be settling for second best. Despite two really promising performances against promotion favourites Mansfield Town and Championship side Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup, the Alex boss is still after more from his squad.

Crewe exited the League Cup last night after taking a first half lead through in-form Chris Porter.

Artell told us: “We look okay but I don’t like okay. Okay is unambitious, mediocre, middle of the road, ‘this will do’ attitude and that isn’t me.

“I’m not one for that and we will improve. We have to roll on to Saturday. We know what Newport will bring after watching them at Southend and we will have to be ready.”