Boss says competition is high and players will be disappointed to miss out this weekend.

Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell has indicated that the fight to earn a place in his squad of 18 players is well and truly on and that if anybody is unhappy in missing out, that his door is always open for an explanation.

The Alex boss said earlier in the week that with only the on-loan Ben Knight ruled out through injury, the competition for places is as keenly contested as ever.

Artell told crewealex.net: “I think it is important to tell the players in advance so they can prepare themselves. They either get told on the Thursday or Friday. If I believe I need to speak to an individual I will. Sometimes they will come to me and sometimes we don’t have to have a chat.

“The players know that my door is always open for a chat. They can come and see me and I can explain the reasons behind the decisions. The players know that it is my job to make those decisions and whilst they might not always agree with them, they appreciate the honesty.”