by Gwyn Griffiths

GUDJON Thordarson says he is looking forward to building a happy relationship with Crewe fans after a 2-2 FA Cup third-round draw at Millwall gave him an encouraging start to his new job.

Youth team rookie Danny Shelley's free-kick strike earned Thordarson's new charges a replay on January 13 for the right to play Newcastle or Hull in the fourth round.

And the Icelandic manager was quick to salute the reception he received at the New Den from the 349 travelling supporters, who have warmed to the 53-year-old since his appointment on Christmas Eve.

"There were butterflies in my belly and it was nice to be back," said Thordardson, who last managed in England at Notts County in 2006.

"I think the fans are looking forward to it and me too. We have to work together to restore faith in Crewe."

Although mindful he will have the clout to dip into the January market, Thordarson says he will continue to assess his resources.

Tomorrow's home League One clash with Bristol Rovers offers a further opportunity, particularly if his lengthy injury list starts to clear.

But he also wants to examine fringe players in a reserve outing on Wednesday.

"I saw something here and I will go through and assess my squad next week. We have the game on Tuesday and then we have a reserve game on Wednesday where I can see the rest of my players.

"It is a learning process for me. I will assess the situation with a fair open mind towards my players.

"But it is very encouraging to see the youngsters when they take themselves forward in the manner they did. The older players can learn from them and they have got to make sure that the kids are not taking the shirt on a permanent basis."

Seventeen-year-old Shelley's first goal came in only his second start.

"When it went in, he didn't know how to celebrate," said fellow wing-back Colin Daniel.

"But it was a great goal and he'd been hitting a few like that in training, so we knew he could do that."

Crewe hope to have Michael O'Connor back tomorrow after he cried off at the weekend.

"We have had a bit of sickness and flu in the camp, so I hope some of them will be fit for selection," added Thordarson.