STEVE Phillips believes Crewe fans need to adopt a positive attitude ahead of tomorrow's clash with promotion-chasers Notts County (3pm).

The Alex's play-off hopes have been dented by their poor home record, which includes eight defeats, but keeper Phillips says it is time supporters backed the team.

"The crowd need to help us," said the 31-year-old. "Everyone has been a bit too negative for my liking.

"There's not a lot of optimism around the place. I understand the fans' frustrations after last season, but booing the team doesn't help us."

Promotion-chasing County are without striker Lee Hughes, who starts a two-game ban, but Phillips is convinced it won't matter.

He added: "They've got a big squad and while the euphoria surrounding them has died off, they've still got good players.

"There are players like Ade Akinbiyi to come in, so I'm not sure they'll miss Hughes that much."

Crewe are without Byron Moore (ankle) and defender Carl Martin, who serves the second game of a two-match ban. But Ashley Westwood should return after missing last weekend with an ear infection.

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