Phillips joined Crewe permanently in the summer after a loan spell

Crewe manager Dario Gradi has said he expects Steve Phillips to be the number one goalkeeper at the club next season.

Phillips, 32, has made just two starts for the Alex in 2010/11, spending most of the campaign as back-up to Rhys Taylor, who is on loan from Chelsea.

Gradi revealed to BBC Radio Stoke that Taylor will replace Phillips for the home game with Cheltenham on Saturday.

But Gradi added: "I expect Steve to kick off next season as the number one goalkeeper, so his time will come."

Former Bristol City and Bristol Rovers man Phillips missed the opening month of the campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery at the end of last season.

He has repeatedly expressed his frustration at not playing for long periods, but despite his exile from the first team, Phillips agreed to stay at Crewe for another year in February after activating a clause in his contract.

"He's got the contract and I see no reason for us to bring another goalkeeper in," continued Gradi. "We brought Rhys in because Steve was going to be out.

"It's probably taken him a bit of time for Steve to get really fit. He's worked very hard, he works very hard every day in training.

"The new season will be the time for him to show what he can do."

Taylor made an excellent start to his loan spell from the Premier League champions and has been selected ahead of Phillips whenever he has been available.

He missed the 2-1 victory over Bradford in January because of a one-match suspension, and also the 1-0 defeat at Hereford on Sunday as he was on international duty with the Wales Under-21 squad.

Gradi also confirmed that third-choice goalkeeper Bartek Fogler, who is yet to make a first-team appearance for Crewe, is likely to leave the Alexandra Stadium at the end of the season.

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