Steve Phillips is one of the few players to play for both Bristol clubs

Crewe Alexandra are hoping to extend the loan deal of goalkeeper Steve Phillips beyond the start of January.

Phillips, who is on loan from League One club Bristol Rovers, has been told he can leave the Memorial Stadium.

Caretaker manager Dario Gradi told BBC Radio Stoke: "Time goes by so quickly, so that's something that will have to review in the new year."

The 31-year-old saved two penalties in the 3-2 victory over Chesterfield at Saltergate on Wednesday.

Earlier this season, he spent two months on loan at fellow League Two outfit Shrewsbury Town.

Phillips admitted he did not make a good start to his career at the Alexandra Stadium, but he told BBC Radio Stoke that the Crewe fans were beginning to see the best of him.

"I didn't play that well against Morecambe," he said. "I was the worst goalkeeper Crewe had ever had after the Morecambe game.

"People have been saying things about me in the papers, but I'm 31, I've played 500 games, and it's water off a duck's back.

"Everyone has the odd bad game, I did against Morecambe which was my home debut. Since then, people have seen what I can do.

"It's a difficult position. I've got a little lad who's four years old and in goal is the last position I'd want him to play."

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