Pope has scored 14 goals in 24 league starts for Crewe

Crewe assistant manager Neil Baker has challenged striker Tom Pope to add more professionalism to his lifestyle.

The 23-year-old, who joined the Alex from non-league Biddulph Victoria in August 2006, is Crewe's leading scorer this season with seven goals.

Baker told BBC Radio Stoke: "He needs to live the life of a professional footballer and if he wants to take that as a criticism, then it is.

"If he could find a way to sustain his form we'd have a good player."

Pope scored twice in Tuesday's 4-2 defeat to Peterborough United, his first start for the Alex since November.

"Tom moans because he thinks he should be in the team," said Baker. "We don't mind that but he needs to show us he deserves it.

"He's worked hard in training over the past week, played and taken his goals well but we know that's what he can do.

"He needs to add a few more things to his game before he becomes the player he wants to be," he added.

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