DARIO Gradi has challenged his fringe players to stake a claim for a first-team spot ahead of next week's opening game of the League Two season against Hereford.

The Crewe boss says his line-up for tomorrow's friendly against Wrexham is likely to be the one which will start against Hereford at Gresty Road on August 7.

But he insists there is still time for the likes of Byron Moore, pictured, Ajay Leitch-Smith and Joel Grant to force their way into the starting 11 for the big kick-off.

Gradi said: "Shaun Miller is one who will start on Saturday and he forced his way back into the team after impressing in training.

"The team that will start against Wrexham is likely to be the one I'll go with against Hereford, but that doesn't mean the door is shut completely.

"It is up to the fringe players to show they have the ability to make me rethink."

Gradi has been particularly impressed by his team's defending during pre-season and is keen it continues once the league action begins.

The Alex have conceded just one goal – against Lancaster City – during their warm-up games, keeping clean sheets against Premier League new boys West Brom and Blackpool.

Gradi said: "We have worked very hard on defending this summer, right from the front players to the back. Last season we knew we would need to score at least three goals to win a game, but now it is looking as if one could do."

Crewe fans have until 5pm today to renew their season tickets or they will go on general sale from 9am tomorrow.

Adult tickets cost £285, but if the club manages to sell 3,000, prices will be slashed by 10 per cent across the board. Crewe have so far sold around 1,600.