Chris Porter may be back amongst the goals again after three in his last two outings, but David Artell believes that his veteran striker has been terrific at leading the line for us in the away wins at Oldham and Middlesbrough in the EFL Trophy.

Porter scored twice against his former club to secure a well-deserved 2-1 win at Boundary Park and then he re-adjusted his body superbly well to divert a miscued shot from Olly Lancashire to give us the lead at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday night.

Artell described his 35-year-old as the best forward on the pitch in Teesside and many pointed to the fact that Porter’s all round display made him a contender for the overall Man of the Match.

Artell told crewealex.net: “Ports has been terrific for us in the last two games and I am not just on about his goals. He has led the line superbly well and he takes the pressure of us with his ability to make sure it sticks up there. He also wins a lot of headers and free-kicks for the team that probably go a bit unnoticed.

“He defends from the front for us and is always back there heading corners out of our box as well. He is back amongst the goals which, always makes him happier because first and foremost he is a goalscorer and a very good one.

He added: “He is so experienced and is the perfect foil for the wider players.”