David Artell says he was pleased that his decision to start Callum Ainley in the number 10 role paid off in the 3-1 win over Stevenage. Ainley made his first start since the end of December and helped Crewe to a comfort victory over the bottom side.

The Academy graduate completed 90 minutes and Artell said that came into his thinking also.

After the 3-1 win over Stevenage, the boss said: “Callum completed 90 minute and that came into our thinking. He was also very good down there against them when we won 5-1.

“We played him in that number 10 role and he was good. I thought he was good there and made them think about his positioning. There are a few things to work on but that is like all of them but he did what we asked of him and I thought he was good and bright with his play.”