Lee Bell says Crewe Alexandra will have to be at the top of their game to collect the three points they want when Mansfield Town visit on Saturday.

The assistant manager believes The Stags are among the strongest teams in League Two, and will present a real threat when they come to Mornflake Stadium.

And having twice played under Nigel Clough, the Mansfield boss, as a player, he knows they will be well organised and resolute.

Bell said: “It’ll be a match between two good teams. We are at home, we want to play on the front foot and we’ll be looking for three points - just like they will.

“Mansfield have an excellent manager, Nigel is a great guy, I played for him twice. He’s brilliant, he gets his players working for him and his teams play good football.

“They are efficient with what they do and they will definitely be in the Play-Offs or the top three come the end of the season.

“They are an honest bunch of players who work hard, are skillful with the football, and they will be a really tough opposition.”

Bell, who played for Burton in two separate spells under Clough, admitted that not being able to call upon midfielder Eli King and defender Zac Williams, who are both on international duty, is a blow.

But he has challenged other squad members to step up and take their opportunities.

He added: “Eli and Zac will be missed, but it’s a bonus for them to be selected for their country.

“They are both proud Welshmen, and they should be proud to be called up. It’s obviously a blow to us but it arises opportunities for other players to take their chance.”