Lee Bell admits he has a difficult decision to make ahead of Saturday’s clash with Stockport County, as captain Luke Offord has now completed his three-match suspension.

Defender Offord has been missing since being sent off during the Alex’s last defeat, at home to Carlisle United on December 29.

Since then, Crewe are unbeaten and have conceded just one goal – and teenager Connor O’Riordan has performed superbly alongside Rod McDonald at the heart of defence.

However, Offord is club skipper and has been the Alex’s most consistent player this term. That has presented Bell with a welcome headache.

The Manager said: “It’s nice to have options. The two boys have played really well at the back, so between now and Friday I’ve got a really tough decision to make.

“We want more competition for places, it’s important because it can raise the standard.

“Nev (Elliot Nevitt) has come in and added that to the front line, Callum (Ainley) is back and is bringing that to the midfield area, and now Luke is back in the defensive department.”