Boss praise as Hunt steps into Ngs boots at the last minute.

Nicky Hunt demonstrated all his years of top experience when filling in for the injured Perry Ng at the last minute against Swindon Town. The 35-year-old was recalled to the Crewe Alexandra starting line-up in an unfamiliar centre-half when Ng failed a late fitness test before kick-off.

Hunt excelled in the position, helping Crewe to a deserved clean-sheet and three points against Phil Brown’s side.

David Artell praised the contribution of Hunt, who was many supporters choice for Man-of-the-Match in our 1-0 over the Robins.

The Alex boss told the club’s official website:  “Perry rolled his ankle in training yesterday but he was able to play on, so we didn’t think there was a major problem. I got a phone call yesterday morning to say he was struggling with it and that he needed a fitness test.

“Perry is a tough cookie and I honestly thought it would be a formality with him. He had it at 4.30pm and had failed it ten minutes later, so me and Kenny had a long chat over what we were going to do.

“The football gods did not smile kindly on Michael (Raynes). He played yesterday for the Under-23s and it wasn’t fair on him to start again. We spoke to Michael and we also considered playing Corey there. He has played there for Liverpool’s Under-23s and has been on tours and all that, in that position.

“We chose to play Nicky there. I asked him if he had played there before and he said about half a season at Orient and above 15 other times in his career.

“He was absolutely terrific for us and that is what experience gets you. He was always in the right place and he reads the game so well. I said to him afterwards that maybe he should play there more often!”