ABDUL Osman insists Crewe can still produce a remarkable return to the Championship.

With their Wembley fate decided in last night’s JPT clash against Coventry, the 25-year-old midfielder believes Alex can revive their play-offs ambitions against the same opposition this Saturday.

Having slipped to 13th in League One, Crewe would need a repeat of last season’s amazing run to overturn an 11-point gap.

However fans’ favourite Osman insists they will give it all they have over the final third of the season – starting at the Ricoh Arena.

“We have some tough games between now and the end of the season,” he explained.

“But we want them because a lot will be against teams who are close to us in the league.

“We have shown we can match them.

“It’s still tight and we have to find some real consistency now.

“I still think there is more to come from me and more to come from the team.”

Osman’s no-nonsense style has won over the fans since his summer arrival, making him a contender for player of the season so far.

“I just try and do my job for the team,” he added.

“That is what I have been brought to Crewe to do and I try to do that to the best of my ability.”

Trialist Nathan Ellington pressed his case for a short-term deal, netting his second goal in as many games in a 2-1 defeat for the under 21’s against Coventry.

The 31-year-old former Wigan and West Brom striker could be set to stay until the end of the season.

Michael West has also impressed, switching to a midfield role after being limited to just two starts since arriving from non-league Ebbsfleet United.

“Mike has done very well there,” explained assistant boss Neil Baker.

“Whether we put him there for the first team this season is something we’d have to consider.

“But he will play that role with the under 21s and then we can work with him in pre-season.”

Striker Ryan Colclough, midfielder Ollie Turton and defender George Ray are also pushing their way into contention.

“It’s unlikely George will go into the team this week but he’s not far off,” continued Baker.

“Ollie is another who could fit in and Ryan has been exceptional for the under 21’s.

“Andy White didn’t have a good first half of the season but he has hit form.”

Crewe travel to Hartlepool on Tuesday night.