Zola happy with Crewe bench role

Congolese striker Zola has scored four goals for Crewe

Crewe striker Calvin Zola said he is willing to sacrifice a starting place if it means the Alex win every week.

Zola has not started a game since the 1-0 loss at Cheltenham on 6 December, a defeat that signalled a revival in the League One club's fortunes.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "It's frustrating not to be starting but all that matters is the team doing well.

"I'll be happy sitting on the bench and seeing us winning, rather than getting games and seeing us losing."

The former Newcastle trainee, 24, made a bright start to his career at Crewe following a summer move from Tranmere.

He scored a hat-trick in a pre-season friendly against Premier League side Hull and then netted three times in his first five appearances in League One.

He has only scored one goal since September but made a match-winning contribution as a substitute against Tranmere on 31 January and he is hoping that performance will be the platform to build on.

"I don't know how to explain the feeling actually, playing against your old team in an important game. It was like being a kid opening his presents on Christmas Day," Zola added.

"That joy that I had, beating my old team and setting up the winning goal, is an unbelievable feeling.

"It is a memory that I will always remember because it was important for me but also very important for the club."

The victory over Tranmere lifted Crewe off the bottom of League One and within six points of safety.