Paul Green believes that the competition for places in the Crewe Alexandra starting XI will only have a positive impact on performances next season. The veteran midfielder converted his successful loan spell into a permanent one at the conclusion of the season and he says that having to compete for a place in David Artell’s starting eleven will be a driving force towards success.

Green appreciates that he could be battling it out for a regular place in the team alongside the likes of James Jones, Ryan Wintle, Tom Lowery, Ollie Finney and you could even include the versatile Harry Pickering and Perry Ng as potential midfield players.

Green told the club’s official website: “You need competition for places in every position. It is healthy to have that because I think it gets the best out of you as a player.

“You know you have to play well or there is someone ready to take your place. The gaffer is creating good competition in the squad and that applies to every position. You have to embrace it and use it to get the best out of everyone in the squad.

“There is a real balance to the squad and I’m sure the gaffer will look to bring in one or two more to help improve us even more.

“The younger lads are a year on as well, so they can only have gained from the experience of last season. It is looking healthy at the moment and I’m sure we will be even stronger next season.”