On-loan forward, Stephen Walker, was ‘unfortunate to come off against Plymouth’ last weekend and David Artell praised the contribution made by the Middlesbrough youngster.

Walker should have won a penalty for Crewe early with a great piece of skill and he troubled the Plymouth full-back Callum McFazdean for much of the game before both players were withdrawn in the second half.

Walker also laid on the chance for Chris Porter at 1-1 but the striker uncharacteristically failed to hit the target.

Owen Dale replaced Walker with Artell saying that fresh legs and Dale’s assist last week against Crawley swayed the substitution at Home Park.

Artell explained to the club’s official website: “Stephen was unfortunate to come off the pitch. He played well and was a threat throughout. He should have had a penalty and an assist when he created the chance for Chris (Porter). He troubled McFazdean all game and was a real bright spark for us.

“Stephen has come in and hit the ground running and if he had scored or won the penalty and got an assist then his performance last week would really have got the recognition it deserved.

“I just thought about fresh legs with Owen and the fact that he set up the winner against Crawley. It didn’t quite work out like that again but we will need all of them with the games we have left.”