David Artell says his Crewe Alexandra team have moved into a promising position in the league but they need to enjoy the experience that comes with mouting a serious push for the top seven.

The Alex have moved within nine points of a possible play-off place and Artell says the players have to embrace the challenge in the last few months of the season.

David told the club’s official website: “The players are always usually upbeat and the spirit is good. They may be down and despondent after a defeat but they could be in a factory plucking chickens and they soon come round.

“You say ‘come on’ and get them running around in the fresh air again and there is nothing better. You can’t beat it and they have to enjoy being a professional footballer.

“We have been heading in the right direction over the last few weeks but they have to keep it going. They have got themselves into a better position after six weeks but we want to be in an even better position after the next six.”