David Artell has told the club’s official website that being without midfielder James Jones could provide youngsters, Oli Finney and Tom Lowery with another chance to stake their claims.

Crewe Alexandra remain hopeful that veteran midfielder Paul Green will be back in contention again following an ankle injury which will slightly ease the loss of Jones – but the Alex boss says that he would have no qualms about turning to his Academy graduates once again.

Finney has made a substantial break through into the first-team set-up this season and has made 11 appearances.

Lowery, 21, replaced Callum Ainley in the second half at MK Dons on Saturday and performed well in a midfield three.

David told the club’s official website: “It is a blow to lose James at this stage because he was playing well.

“But we have to get on with it and we have players who can come in. Tom came on Saturday and did terrifically well.

“Oli did the same thing against Newport and although they are cameo appearances but they have shown they can do it with their performances. The chance will be there for someone else.”