Crewe defender Matt Tootle ready to fight for place

Tootle thriving on competition for his starting place

Crewe Alexandra defender Matt Tootle says he relishes the battle to fight for his first-team place.

Tootle was left out for last weekend's game at Burton Albion in preference to Mat Mitchel-King, despite being fit.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "To be fair, Mitch had done well and it shows no one can think they are automatic choices in the team which is a good for the team."

Tootle broke into the senior set-up last season and made 26 appearances and scored against Rochdale on Boxing Day.

The 20-year-old full-back lost his place after he sustained a hamstring injury in the Carling Cup tie defeat to Ipswich Town last month.

I don't necessary pick a team to match the opposition

Dario Gradi

Mitchel-King came in as his replacement having made a couple of reserve team appearances at full-back, but was then omitted for the League Two match at home to Bury.

Alex manager Dario Gradi said: "We won't be able to go through the entire season with the same eleven players.

"That cannot happen in the modern game and I have always liked to give players a run for them to gain experience and have a run.

"It increases the competition in the squad and everyone knows that they are not guaranteed a starting place every week.

"They are assessed in every training session and in every game they play in.

"The team will not be changed dramatically but we may bring people in and take others out if necessary.

"I don't necessary pick a team to match the opposition. We will look to add height if the opposition have extra height but I always pick the best starting eleven that I will think are good enough to win the game."

The former Histon defender Mitchel-King will be fit enough for selection against Oxford on Saturday, after overcoming the head injury that forced him off in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Burton.

"We don't take risks with head injuries. We are always careful and I didn't think twice about putting Matt (Tootle) on," added Gradi.

"He was feeling groggy after getting a knock on his head."