Having already lost Daniels, Ainley and Offord to long-term hamstring injuries, boss says he won't take any risks with winger Kirk.

Charlie Kirk has not been risked in the last couple of weeks because the club do not want be suffering another long term hamstring injury.

Kirk has been an unused substitute for the club’s last two fixtures against Shrewsbury and Peterborough after complaining of a tight hamstring sustained in the home draw with Ipswich Town.

The winger has been influential this season, with his fin finish against the Tractor Boys in that fixture his sixth of an impressive campaign back in League One.

Crewe have suffered long-term injuries to Donervon Daniels, Callum Ainley and Luke Offord.

Ahead of this weekend’s intriguing home game against Portsmouth, the Alex boss said: “I am sure Charlie will benefit from a bit of a rest. We will have to see how he is this week.

“We have had three long-term hamstring injuries and we don’t want another that is for sure.

The boss added: “Charlie will have to be 100% right before we steps back onto a football pitch and we will be as cautious as we will have to be.”