Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell is pleased that the return of his injured players and the influx of five new loan players in January has added real competition for places.

By having a far stronger squad numbers, Artell believes that it has improved performances since the turn of the year. A 2-2 draw with rivals Port Vale on Easter Monday have placed Crewe 10 points clear of the relegation zone, but with Chesterfield having a number of games in hand, no-one here is taking anything for granted.

Ahead of this weekend’s difficult trip to Mansfield, the Alex boss said: “The competition for places is where we want it to be. It keeps everyone on their toes because they know that if they do not play well or make consistent mistakes then there is now someone waiting to take their place.

“It has helped change the mentality and it is not a ‘given’ to be in the team. They have to work hard to get in and then play well to stay in.

“If they don’t perform to the required standard then they are not so sure if they play in the following game. It is what every manager wants and form will decide who plays and who doesn’t. “