Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says that having his utility players are ‘worth their weight in gold’ when it comes to coping with the loss of injured players.

Crewe are without long-term absentees, Paul Green and Harry Pickering and they have recently been joined on the injury list by defender Eddie Nolan. Artell says that having players who can play in various positions helps us cope better with injuries better than most at this level.

The Alex boss told crewealex.net: “Having utility players is vital. When you have injuries you need those types of players with the ability to play in more than one position.

“When you are a lower league club, it is important to have those flexible players who can play in various positions for you.

“Take Perry Ng. He has played centre half, right-back, left-back this season and he can play in midfield as well. Eddie has played right across the back four. Harry can play in various positions. They all have terrific value to you.

“It is beneficial to them as young players to play in various positions in the Academy.”