Joel Grant scored his first goals for Crewe since 23 October on Saturday

Crewe Alexandra will see the best of Joel Grant after his hat-trick in the 8-1 win against Cheltenham, according to team-mate Clayton Donaldson.

Striker Donaldson, who also scored three times on Saturday, told BBC Radio Stoke: "He's a very talented player.

"He thrives on confidence and people believing in him. The coaching staff let him express himself in that role just behind the front two.

"He's a confidence player and you'll probably see the best of him now."

Former Aldershot winger Grant, 23, had not started a game for Crewe since 22 February but took his chance in style after being recalled to the side.

His first goal made it 4-0 to the Alex just before half time and he then netted the final two goals of the afternoon, completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Donaldson, meanwhile, scored his second hat-trick of the campaign to take his tally for the season to 23.

All but one of those goals have come in the league and Donaldson is joint-second in the League Two scoring charts, two goals behind Bury's Ryan Lowe.

"I try not to think too much about that," said the 27-year-old. "I just try and play my own game, then the goals will look after themselves.

"It would be nice to finish as top scorer, I think I'm back in the mix for it.

"I'm just going to take each game at a time. We've got Barnet next [on Saturday] and I just want to focus on the team doing well down there."

Crewe 8-1 Cheltenham

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