Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says that the club will miss a player of Perry Ng’s calibre and standing within the squad – but he says that there will be a few contenders for the position of right-back following his departure to Cardiff City this week.
Ng, 24, made his Championship debut for the Bluebirds in their 1-0 defeat to QPR last night after completing his move on Tuesday.
The Alex defeated Bristol Rovers 3-2 on that night with Harry Pickering once again taking the captain’s armband. Luke Offord deputised at right-back with the skipper moving on but he was forced off with a hamstring injury just before half-time. Youngster Travis Johnson replaced him for his 12th appearance at first-team level.
Crewe also have Donervon Daniels to welcome back from injury.
Artell told us: “Perry moving on is a chance for us to improve. That is how we have to look at it. It will be difficult to find one as good as him, whether that is from inside or outside the club because Pez was a terrific player for us, but that is the challenge.
“That is what this club has to do. We have lost players before and we go on. The challenge now is for me and the staff to get better than him.
“Trav has done ever so well. When he has had a chance he has done well. He is still finding his feet at this level, but we can help him and improve him. He has had some set-backs in his life that lad, but his desire to improve and make a career for himself has been top drawer.
“I realised a long time ago that it was very likely that Perry wouldn’t be here next year, so we are developing our own behind him.
“Can Travis play the next 20 odd games there? Probably not but we also have Luke (Offord) and Donervon Daniels who can play there when they are fit and available.
“Will we need Donervon in a month’s time? Yes. Luke can play there, fine that’s a stop-gap.
The boss added: “I am not overly worried because of the work we have done with Travis and the work he has put in himself. He has certainly developed quickly over the last 18 months that is for sure.”