David Artell believes the strength of his squad has been pivotal in his side’s consistent form this season. Crewe returned to the top of the league for a third time this season with a 3-1 home over Stevenage at the weekend and Artell says that whenever we have lost a player through injury, others have stepped in.

Crewe have been without the likes of Olly Lancashire, Chris Porter and Eddie Nolan at certain stages throughout the season and midfielder Tom Lowery has missed the last six weeks with a pelvic problem.

Artell says that the talent in his squad have filled the gaps and seen us safeguard our position in the top 7 for much of the campaign.

He told the club’s official website: “I spoke about the work Liam Anderson (Sports Scientist) does for us and Owen (Clarke) (Head Physio) gets them back quickly to us. We are all a team and we are all in this together.

“There is not right or wrong. We all sit down and come to the decisions.

“The squad has been strong and competitive and that is what we set out to do. If you would have said that we would be without Eddie for the majority of the season and Tom for the last six weeks and still be top of the league then we would have snapped your hand off.”