JON Guthrie will continue to fill in at left back as Crewe Alexandra target three points at Scunthorpe.

The 23-year-old impressed in Saturday’s 0-0 opener against Port Vale and could be set for an extended run if the club’s bid to sign loan cover rumbles on.

Having recently signed a new contract, the centre half insists he is just happy to be featuring in the side.

“I played a lot of pre-season at centre back and was enjoying it,” said Guthrie.

“But I’m more than happy to fill in at left back.

“I’d like to think I can do a job for the team there.

“The staff have always said in the long term they see me as a centre half but I’d play anywhere, I’m not too fussed.

“They are different roles and I like to think I can do both. I need to improve my attacking play as a left back but there are things to work on in both positions.

“I take it step by step, I want to keep improving and the staff tell me I am improving, so I’ll keep my head down and keep working hard and try to stay in the team.”

Guthrie says a clean sheet against Vale was a good start for a defence that has struggled over recent years.

“It is a big confidence boost for the back five,” he added.

“We know we have conceded too many goals over the last two seasons and that we need to tighten up.

“To start with a clean sheet is the right way to go.

“You are always happy to keep a clean sheet as a defender, we were under quite a lot of pressure so we had to work hard for it. It was a nice feeling.”

Manager Steve Davis still hopes to secure a loan deal for Charlton Athletic teenager Tareiq Holmes-Dennis although the boss is happy for Guthrie to continue in that full backTo role.

“He’s pleased to be in the team,” said Davis.

“He gives us a defensive left back, another big lad to help at the set-plays.

"He doesn’t give us forward thrust but if you get someone who can do both it is a very good left back.

“Tareiq wants to come and we have to give it a chance.

“We have one or two other targets but we’ve waited so long we should give him the best possible chance to resolve everything and get him here.”

Davis is hoping for more from his players against Scunthorpe on Saturday at Glanford Park.

“I want them to be more expressive in their play,” he added.

“The fitness was good but the quality of the play, getting on the ball and making the right decisions just wasn’t there.”