Alex ready to rise to challenge

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Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis has backed his players to rise to the challenge in their Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area final first-leg tie with Coventry City on Tuesday evening.

"I see it as a massive challenge and so will the players" - Steve Davis

A bumper attendance of around 30,000 is expected at the Ricoh Arena as the two clubs battle over two-legs for the right to meet either Leyton Orient or Southend United in the final of the competition.

The Alex will give a late fitness test to defender Harry Davis after suffering a toe injury during their narrow weekend triumph over Scunthorpe United. Mark Ellis stands by to deputise.

"Coventry are going to have a big home crowd behind them, but hopefully that'll spur us on," manager Steve Davis told This is Staffordshire. "I see it as a massive challenge and so will the players. We won't be overawed by that.

"We played at Wembley in front of a decent crowd last year and this will be the biggest a lot of the players will have experienced. They have to rise to it, I'm sure they will," he continued. "This is the reason why you're a professional footballer. They've worked hard to get to this position and now they're only two games away from another opportunity to play at Wembley."

Coventry have really prospered under new boss Mark Robins and currently find themselves sitting just outside the play-offs following their latest win at Sheffield United on Friday evening.

Midfielder David Bell is ready to make his first appearance of the season after recovering from both hip and foot injuries.

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