Crewe Alexandra forward, Chris Porter, was a late withdrawal from the starting XI at Altrincham at the weekend due to a precaution.

The experienced striker, 35, had to be replaced at relatively short notice by youngster Connor Heath after having some tendonitis in his knee.

Porter led Crewe’s goalscoring charts last season with 15 goals in all competitions and Artell says that others have to take their chance if the former Sheffield United, Colchester and Derby is missing for whatever reason.

Heath got the nod ahead of fellow youngster Lewis Reilly because the staff already knew what Reilly could offer and Shaun Miller came on with a flurry of other substitutes in the second half. New summer signing Daniel Powell wasn’t risked either due to a sore back.

Artell told the club’s official website: “We have to have a contingency in place if a Chris Porter isn’t there, if a Daniel Powell isn’t there. The opportunities are there for Connor, Lewis and Shaun and they have to be ready.

“Chris had a bit of a niggle so we didn’t risk him and Connor has trained really well. He found the first 10 days tough like any first year pro would, but he earned a chance in a more advanced game if you like.

“He could learn the role to be that number 9 and there is plenty to work there with him.”