Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says he will not worry himself too much if full-backs, Jamie Sterry and Zoumana Bakayogo do not recover in time to face Newport County this weekend.

Both missed Tuesday’s 3-1 over Forest Green Rovers with niggling injuries and Artell says that the reliable performances of the versatile Perry Ng and Harry Pickering reflects the strength in depth he now possesses in his squad.

Pickering and Ng had played in midfield against Coventry City just days previously, but again showed that their football ability allows them to switch positions with relative ease.

Artell said of the two Academy graduates: “Perry has been outstanding for us all season, regardless of where he plays and Harry has really come on in his debut season.

“Both of them played in a midfield four against Coventry but we then needed them in the full-back positions against Forest Green. That just goes to show how good their grounding has been here. They can both play in various positions and that is a great facet of their ability.

He added:  “They were terrific for us on Tuesday and helped limit the number of chances Forest Green had on our goal. “