Dario Sweating On Midfield Duo

Dario Gradi will be concerned man when Billy Jones and Gary Roberts turn out for England Under-19 on Wednesday night.

The pair are Crewe's first choice for the centre of midfield and Gradi will be hoping neither of them pick up a knock or a more serious injury whilst on international duty.

Gradi's nerves will be further tested ahead of the derby clash against Stoke on Saturday with David Vaughan (Wales) and Steve Jones (Northern Ireland) away representing their countries.

'I've spoken to (England U19 coach) Martin (Hunter) about the lads and he has assured me he will look out for them as best he can. I don't know if they will be asked to play the full match but the last thing we need is for them to come back tired or, even worse, injured.

'The two lads enjoy playing for England and Martin has a job to do like everyone else, but it is a nuisance to club managers. My opinion on that will never change because I don't think playing for England at such a young age particularly helps the development of young players.

'We will have to see what sort of shape they are in on Thursday to see if they are going to be fit enough for the weekend.'