Lancashire's return has shown what a top professional he is.

Recalled defender Olly Lancashire deserves praise for his recent performances after coming back into the team for the injured Omar Beckles. Lancashire replaced Beckles at Portsmouth and has retained his place with some assured displays in the centre of the Crewe defence alongside Luke Offord.

Beckles has made a successful return from his calf injury and was named as an unused substitute against Swindon on Tuesday evening, as Crewe ran out 4-2 winners.

Lancashire, whose Crewe career has been affected by untimely injuries’, has made six appearances this season.

Crewe Alexandra boss, David Artell said of his centre-half: “Olly is showing what a good pro he is. He trains hard and when he has been called upon he has done well.

“His time here has been interrupted by one or two injuries but when he has been fit and needed, he has been reliable and done a job or the team.

“I’ve always said that it is not about the starting eleven, it is about those behind them pushing them every day in training. It is about getting those chances and taking them.

He added: “Olly has done that over the few weeks and he deserves recognition for that.”