Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell will assess the fitness levels of his on-loan full-backs, Corey Whelan and Kevin O’Connor before he finalises his starting XI for the trip to Cheltenham this weekend.

Whelan has been away on International duty for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-21s ever since he completed his loan switch from Liverpool – but the right-back has been able to train with his new teammates over the last couple of days.

O’Connor was stretched off in the club’s last fixture against Tranmere in the Checkatrade Trophy. The on-loan Preston North End defender was involved in a hefty collision in our 4-3 win and had to be replaced by Michael Raynes after just half an hour. The Eire Youth International was checked over by medical staff at a local hospital and given the all-clear.

The Alex boss also has a decision to make in his forward line, with three of his front players on target in the last couple of games. Jordan Bowery was rested at Tranmere after previously scoring a brace against Macclesfield Town.

Crewe will be without long-term absentees, Paul Green (knee), Harry Pickering (hamstring) and Eddie Nolan (calf).