David Artell has admitted that having 5 games in the space of two weeks is not ideal but he says that his squad have come through the hectic festive period in pretty good shape.

Crewe have suffered no fresh injuries to go with those of Eddie Nolan (back), Chris Porter (hamstring) and Lewis Reilly (knee) and Artell believes that periods of rest are crucial at this stage of the season.

The boss told us: “The Christmas period is physically and mentally challenging and I know there will be people out there who will say they should just play, train and go again but it is sometimes not as easy as that.

“It is tough and you have to manage it because more injuries do occur when there is fatigue. There is always going to be possible fatigue when players have to play as many games as we are in a short space of time – but you have to get on with it.

“The players will get their rest. Those who need that extra bit of R&R will get it and we haven’t done anything too strenuous so far this week. That will step up now and we will be ready for the weekend.

“After 24 games, the league has taken shape. We are starting the second half of the season in a good position but we have to make sure we are there at the end of April. The players have given us a chance and we have to keep it going.”