Crewe Alexander have the goal power (From Crewe Guardian)

Crewe Alexander have the goal power

4:03pm Thursday 3rd December 2009

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DARIO Gradi believes Crewe have enough goal power to become a real force in League Two.

Targeting a quick climb up the table, the Alex boss has backed his strikers to deliver the goods and end 2009 on a high.

Prior to last night’s clash at Chesterfield, Calvin Zola is on 13 for the season while partner Clayton Donaldson has impressed since his return from injury.

“They are definitely a handful,” explained Gradi.

“They are doing fine at the moment and I still think there is more to come from both of them.

“Calvin is one of those players that sometimes you’re not happy with but you’d rather have him playing for you than against you.

“Clayton is very quick and I’ve still to see the best of him.”

Donaldson returned from a two-month lay-off with goals against Northampton and Burton.

“I’ve got a desire to see Byron Moore in that position and had Shaun Miller been fit, he would have played,” added Gradi.

“But Clayton has laid a claim to that place now.”

It looks like the boss is also happy enough with improvements at the back.

He opted against bringing in reinforcements before last week’s loan deadline.

“We have enough here at the moment,” continued Gradi.

“We have eight possible options at centre-half and John Brayford has also played there in the past.

“I didn’t want to have another for the sake of it and five senior defenders should see us through to next month.

“I think we are improving defensively.

“We’re not there yet but the players are working really hard to rectify their mistakes.”

Gradi also indicated left-back Billy Jones is likely to leave when the transfer window reopens.

Yet to start since the departure of ex-boss Gudjohn Thordarson, the 26-year-old will be a free agent next summer.

Teenager Ashley Westwood has filled those boots to some acclaim so far.

“If Billy wanted to stay then we’d be happy,” continued Gradi.

“But it’s our right to try and get some money for him before the end of the season.

“However I’m not going to ignore him because he’s a decent player.

“Ashley has done well at left-back.

“I’m not looking for a left-footer to play there.

“All those years ago Rob Jones played for me in that way and ended up playing for Liverpool in that way.”

Steve Schumacher, James Bailey and Shaun Miller could all going into the equation for Saturday’s big home fixture against Lincoln City.

Crewe need a second successive home win.

“They are making good progress,” said Gradi.

“With the injuries they have, we have to be cautious because if you try and rush it, they could break down again.

“We know what the problem is with Schumacher but I need to try and work out the cause.”

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