David Artell says he is not concerned with Chris Porter little run of games without a goal. The veteran forward has scored three goals this season but has now not found the net in his last seven games.

The Alex boss says that tactically Porter has been vital in the club’s encouraging start to the new season. His unselfish play has helped Crewe Alexandra to five wins and Artell says that the role the 36-year-old is fulfilling is allowing the midfield players and wide forwards to get in and around the opposition box more.

Artell told crewealex.net: “When the opposition operate with a low block against us then Chris’s discipline in his role is vital to us. He is leading the line really well and being unselfish to help the team.

“He is doing absolutely fine and I know he is a goal scorer and has gone a few games without a goal but he is crucial to the way we want to play. He occupies the centre-halves and that allows the midfielders and wide forwards to get in behind or around the box.

“It has been no surprise to me that the likes of Tom, Greeny and Ryan Wintle have scored goals and Charlie has scored goals because of the space and opportunities Chris creates for them. From a tactical point of view, he is doing more than enough.”