David Artell has praised the performance of his midfield duo Ryan Wintle and on-loan Paul Green against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

Although Crewe were outnumbered three to two in central midfield, the Crewe boss felt that his two had the better of it in the engine room. Wintle was making his first appearance since returning from a fractured tibia and he lasted 90 minutes in his first outing since September.

Oldham Athletic loanee Green was making his second appearance for the club and Artell described the veteran midfielder as the ‘best player on the pitch’.

Artell told the club’s official website: “Ryan completed 90 minutes and was terrific in his first game back. There is more to come from him but he came through very well. I would imagine he was a bit sore and stiff afterwards, but he will be fine.

“He has been a big miss for us. I’ve said all along that he has been the biggest miss for me.

“Paul was terrific again. I don’t think he gave the ball away and I thought he was the best player on the pitch. He does those unsung hero things and he will be an excellent acquisition for us. We had two against their three in midfield and I thought that our two were better.”