Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says his players will be aware that there are financial gains to be made by progressing in the EFL Trophy and the FA Cup this week, but he stresses that performance comes first in the eyes of professional players.

Crewe host Everton Under-21s in the Leasing.com Trophy this evening before travelling to Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup at the weekend and will prize money up for grabs, Artell is looking for a double cup victory this week.

Artell told the club’s official website: “We have two cup games this week and the players will know what it is worth financially to the club. It is not something we openly discuss but they will be aware of what it means for the club.

“It isn’t a taboo subject and I’m sure players are aware of what price money is worth but it won’t be at the forefront of their minds.

“It is important to the club but it will be about their performance and winning the game for them. Their incentive won’t be financial but they know it is important for the club to progress in cup competitions.

“It is what it is and we know it be a challenge to win both games but that is the objective.

"It could be a good week financially for us."