Crewe boss says it is important that Manchester City's youngsters get a dose of League Two football in tonight's Checkatrade Trophy tie.

David Artell is expecting a ‘good game of football’ against the youngsters of Manchester City this evening.

A victory for Crewe Alexandra would see the Alex progress to the knockout stages of the Checkatrade Trophy and Artell is looking forward to his own youngish squad tackle some of the best young players in world football.

Ahead of this evening’s game at Gresty Road, Artell said: “I am sure it will be a good footballing game against Manchester City. I am sure they will want to get the ball down and play it around. We want to be doing the same.

“I am sure it will be a good football game and the fans will want to see that as well. We have also got to use it to give them a dose of League Two football as well because they will not be used to that.

“We just can’t be pretty and pass the ball around. We have to show City they we are a League Two side for a reason.

“Now, that doesn’t mean we whack it like the second half against Port Vale, that isn’t the excuse to do that. Far from it, we want to play football.”