LAURI Dalla Valle has been told to seize his opportunity as Crewe Alexandra target their first win of the season.

Boss Steve Davis is forced to make changes to the side that lost 1-0 at Wigan Athletic with Marcus Haber away on international duty with Canada and Billy Bingham (hamstring) out injured.

And after being dropped, Dalla Valle is likely to fill the lone striker role at home to Swindon Town on Saturday, while Chris Atkinson is favourite to make his first start in the middle.

Davis says both must prove they deserve to stay in the team.

“On his day he can be a real handful because he doesn’t stop working,” he explained.

“He’s very honest and a hardworking lad and if he’s the one to come in, then I’m sure he’ll do fine.

“It’s not just about the goals, it’s important that he looks lively and does the things in the games that we are looking for when the opportunity arises.

“He needs to be reliable, be threatening and create opportunities because his movement is very good and he’s got quick feet.

“He can get in behind and stretch people and when he does get in behind, nine times out of 10 he scores because he is a very good finisher.

“He’s been waiting for an opportunity and he’s frustrated with his lack of goals.

“But I think down the middle will suit him more than the wing.

“Chris has had to wait for his opportunity but he’s done well and had a good pre-season.

“Now he’s got a chance. He has to show what he can do and I’m sure he’ll do very well. He’s improved, fit and ready to go.”

Captain Harry Davis is also set for his first game of the campaign after recovering from a knee injury as Crewe look for points out of back-to-back home games.

Millwall arrive on Saturday week.

“The fans were excellent at Wigan and hopefully they will remain that way because they are important to us,” added Davis.

"The games are against two good teams but that doesn’t mean they are better teams. We know we are heading in the right direction.

“Scoring goals is always something that makes or breaks your season and everyone is looking for that striker who can open up a defence and do something out of nothing.

“I think we have some individuals who can.

“We’ve got to find a way of breaking through defences when they’re behind the ball and set as Wigan were on Saturday late in the game, when they blocked the middle of the pitch.

“That’s the work we’ll be doing to try and break defences down when they have bodies behind the ball.”