CREWE Alexandra boss Steve Davis will step up his search for a striker ahead of Saturday’s trip to fellow strugglers Leyton Orient.

Crewe were left to rue several missed chances as they crashed out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 defeat at Sheffield United on Tuesday night.

And the Alex boss saw their first round replay exit as further indication that they need to boost their firepower quickly.

Having missed out on non-league hot shot Che Adams, who joined the Blades, plus Bradford forward Aaron McLean, Davis needs another option.

Current loan signings Febian Brandy and Danny Haynes are likely to return to their clubs as their deals expire this weekend.

“The players kept going and worked hard against a good side but I think it highlighted the fact that we could do with getting a striker in,” explained Davis.

“We could do with some help up there.

“We have to try and find better than what we have because we haven’t been getting enough goals all season.

“We had some good chances in the first half with Brad (Inman) hitting the post as well.”

Prospect Callum Saunders made his full debut but could be back on the bench as Crewe want three vital points in the capital.

Davis was impressed by the 19-year-old’s performance.

“We were disappointed to go out after having two goes at it,” he added.

“It was a brilliant double save from their keeper to deny George (Cooper) and Callum.

“It would have been nice for Callum to have scored on his first start as it would have been great for his confidence.

“I wanted to see where he was in his development and he deserved his chance but it was a tough game for him starting at Bramall Lane against two experienced defenders.

“I was disappointed with their first goal from the corner.

“It was poor defending from our point of view after we talked to them about being alert to their short corners.

“We were sleepy and we didn't react well enough.”

Davis is already focused on signing towering centre-half Anthony Stewart.

The 22-year-old is a free agent but former club Wycombe will be entitled to compensation after he rejected a new contact in the summer.

“The lad has got something,” said Davis “He’s powerful and athletic and still only young with plenty of development in him.

“We quite liked him and we’ll have a conversation this week.

“We do have quite a few defenders at the moment but that might change at the end of the season.

“We haven’t made any decisions on those who are out of contract and Anthony would come in and around that decision making.”