Crewe boss pleased with competition for number one spot ahead of Walsall clash

Posted Friday, August 16, 2019 by PA

Crewe boss David Artell might have a selection headache after he told a fans’ forum that he has “no qualms” with playing either Will Jaaskelainen or Dave Richards in goal for the visit of Walsall.

Jaaskelainen, 21, started in both of the Railwaymen’s opening two league fixtures while Richards stepped in and saved a penalty in the shoot-out of the Carabao Cup victory at Championship side Middlesbrough.

Artell announced a fairly clean bill of health for their second home clash of the season, although defender Nicky Hunt remains sidelined.

Hunt made 22 league appearances for the Alex last season since joining in July 2018, but was stretchered off with a knee injury in a pre-season friendly with Wrexham.

As for Walsall, manager Darrell Clarke may choose to keep Caolan Lavery in the starting XI after the Northern Irishman impressed in the Saddlers’ 3-2 cup defeat to Crawley.

Lavery had played just 16 minutes of football prior to Tuesday night, but found the net twice in the second half on his first start of the season.

After missing the 1-1 draw with Forest Green and the midweek Crawley loss through injury, it remains unknown if former Newcastle and Bolton midfielder Danny Guthrie will make a return to the squad.

Clarke may also make changes from Tuesday night, after making three alterations from the starting XI which drew with Forest Green last weekend.