Stokes Keeps His Place For Magpies Clash

Loan defender Chris Stokes will keep his place at left back for Saturday's home game against high flying Notts County.

The 19 year old Bolton defender made his Alex debut over the weekend in Saturday's trip to Torquay. Coming in for the injured Matt Tootle and suspended Chris Martin he had a steady game, enough for Dario to keep faith.

Despite Tootle looking to return from his dead leg injury for the weekend Dario told crewealex.net that a rest won't do Tootle any harm:

'Stokes grew in confidence and got stronger as the game went on. He had an excellent temperament for it and he has justified his inclusion for this weekend.

'There is no reason to leave him out, and it won't do Matt Tootle any harm to have a rest. Matt has had a superb season and he can be proud of what he has achieved.'

Stokes himself says that his primary concern is to try and win a new deal at Bolton Wanderers. With just a couple of months left on his contract at the Reebok, Stokes is hoping he can do enough to see new boss Owen Coyle extend his stay at the Trotters.

Speaking to the Crewe Chronicle: "I want to impress Bolton and do really well.

"We have had a change of manager so I`m trying to impress him and hopefully coming here will do that. If I don`t get a contract at Bolton I will look to get one elsewhere."

Meanwhile Dario and assistant manager Steve Davis are to field a strong side in a reserve game at Derby County today. The likes of Simon Walton, Danny Shelley and Matt Tootle are all expected to get a run out.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.