Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell stated in yesterday’s press conference that places are still very much up for grabs as we prepare for the final two warm up games of the summer.

Those places are up for contention, no more so than the number one spot with Ben Garratt battling it out with Dave Richards for the coveted position.

Garratt lost his place to Richards last season but claimed it back in December and then when the Welshman was injured away at Swindon in January. It was a competitive contest and Artell is expecting more of the same this time around.

Last season, Richards made 14 appearances after making his senior debut away at Coventry City and Garratt, 24, made 40 in all competitions.

David Artell told the club’s official website: “It will be interesting what happens.

“They are two good keepers, we are spoilt because we have another good one underneath them in Will Jaaskelainen.

“It’s not a case of Ben Garratt having taken his eye off the ball – he’s one of the best trainers there is.

“I think Dave Richards has come on leaps and bounds, he’s matured and developed a lot of aspects of his game.

“Ben still has areas to work on as well, and they both have development to do. We’ll see.”