ARTELL IS LEFT WITH PLENTY TO PONDER AHEAD OF CUP DATE

DAVE Artell could be in line to shake up his Crewe Alex pack for tomorrow’s FA Cup first-round tie at home against Swindon Town.

The Alex have struggled in League One this season and find themselves in the relegation zone after drawing 1-1 with fellow strugglers Doncaster Rovers in midweek.

They take a break from the league tomorrow, though, and also have a Papa John’s Trophy game against Wolves Under-21s on Tuesday before their next League One clash.

And Artell could freshen up his side, especially after watching Crewe’s Under-23s beat Peterborough 2-1 on Wednesday.

Josh Lundstram, Regan Griffiths, Joe Robbins, Ty Onyeka, Oli Finney, Ben Knight and Nathan Woodthorpe were all involved and Artell admits that a couple of performances impressed him.

Artell told the club’s website: “The business model of this football club doesn’t change. If you play well for the first team, Under-23s, or train well, there is always scope for you to push yourself forward for selection.

“That model doesn’t change and it doesn’t matter if you are 17, 18, 21 or 41, if you earn a chance then you will be considered.

“That is how it works and you have to be as consistent as you can be and grab those opportunities.

“There were some who caught the eye and with two cup games coming up will certainly be involved at some point. There were others, who’s attitude to the game wasn’t where it should have been and that makes you think the other way.

“They have to realise that they play for their benefit. It may be to give them minutes or to bring them back into it or have that opportunity to impress. They have treat it as such and get out of it what they put into it. Some did, others not so much but is all noted.

Artell has issues to resolve at right-back with both Travis Johnson and Kayne Ramsey in the treatment room.

He explained: ““Kayne is currently in a boot and he will be out for a while. I am not totally sure when he will be back but he won’t be returning any time soon.

“It is the muscle between his tibia and fibula and he has twisted and suffered a tear late on against Sunderland.

“Travis’ occurred quite innocently in training after a contact but he has also been in a boot after suffering ligament damage.”

Swindon arrive in South Cheshire flying high in League Two.

Ben Garner’s side are fifth in the table and have been in excellent form on the road.

They are unbeaten on the road in the league this season and have banked 20 points from eight games.

Artell added: “We have two cup games coming now where we have to build on that and try and build some momentum to take into our league form.”