David Artell says that the competition for places is in starting XI and in his 18-man squad is competitively good and he was warned those with the 11 shirts at the moment that they have to keep on performing to keep it.
Crewe got back to winning ways with a comfortable 5-0 win over struggling Morecambe at the weekend and now travel to 2nd placed Forest Green, who also enjoyed a good 4-2 away win at Leyton Orient on Saturday.
The Crewe boss told the club’s official website: “We have strength in depth in the squad and it is up to us to get the best out of them.
“We can cover injuries and the competition is healthy. I saw what Charlie (Kirk) said in the media about keeping in the team and he is right. They have to keep on performing or someone else will come in.
“Oli (Finney) came in and scored two goals on Saturday and he took his opportunity. That is what it is about and I would tell any of them that when that chance comes around they have to take it.
“Last year, we lost Greenie through a long-term injury and we really missed him but I think we have moved on from that now. We can cope with injuries and those in possession of the shirt know they have to play well to keep it. That is the culture we wanted to create.”