Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says that Perry Ng’s red card at Cheltenham and subsequent one match suspension will open the door for someone else to stake their claim in his starting XI. Ng will serve his one match ban and will frustratingly miss the top of the table clash against Exeter City this weekend.

Artell will also have to select a new captain for the game.

He told the club’s official website: “Perry will have a different word than the rest of the squad because it is not the first time is has happened with him. He plays right on that edge and it won’t be a telling off.

“We want to help him because he is a terrific player and we want him to play in every game.

“I said on Saturday that is clarity of mind with him and we will try and help him but he has also got to help himself.

“With him missing at the weekend, it gives someone else an opportunity. It did the same for James Jones when Paul Green was sent off and he has done well for us in the last three games.

“It gives another one of the squad the opportunity to impress against the team that are top of the league.”