Crewe Alexandra’s stand-in captain, Harry Pickering, admits he was surprised to be handed the captain’s armband in the absence of the suspended Perry Ng. Pickering was chosen to deputise for Ng, who is serving a six-match ban, and he has led the team to three wins and a draw so far!

The former Academy graduate says that the senior members of the squad have helped him in his new role and that he is honoured to be skipper for this short period of time.

Pixie told the club’s official website: “It was a surprise because I didn’t expect it. I am perhaps not the loudest in the group, but I still speak and get along with everyone, so it was a great honour to be handed the captaincy with Pez out at the minute.

“I was buzzing with it and I just try to do my best with it and lead by example. The older lads in the squad help me with that as well. They have been great with me and hopefully we can keep this run going.

“We have had a free week if you like. We had been used to playing 3 games in a week and the lads are fit enough to cope with that, but it was nice to have a full week of training in readiness for Boxing Day.

“The Boxing Day games are usually a big one because there is usually a great atmosphere inside the ground and to be home will be great. Of course, we are limited in numbers at the minute but it was great to have some of them back for the Northampton and Plymouth games.

“The fans have a massive part to play and we have missed them. You could see how much it meant to celebrate that late winner against Northampton and any players will tell you that they miss that buzz.”