David Artell says the examples of Dave Richards, Tom Lowery and Jordan Bowery shows that he is willing to give any member of his squad a chance if they perform.

The Crewe Alexandra boss says that he and his staff are always assessing training and the U-23s game to see if players are performing consistency well and are ready for a first-team promotion.

Over the last few weeks, Artell has given goalkeeper Richards and Bowery their chance at first team level and Tom Lowery, 19, has almost been an ever present this season in the centre of the Alex midfield.

Artell explained to crewealex.net: “All the players here have a role to play. That is why they are here. We haven’t got a massive squad and things can change in their favour very quickly.

“The players here will always get a fair crack of the whip. If they perform to the level we are looking for then they will get their chance. If they are a first year pro they have to train well every day, they have to play well for the Under-23s and then get on the bench. Then they could get 10 minutes, 20 minutes, half an hour, an hour…

“That is what they have to do. They have to perform every day and aim for that consistency. If you become the best performer for the Under-23s then you will get a chance in the first team. That is what has happened with the likes of Perry Ng, Tom, and Ryan Wintle. “