by Gwyn Griffiths

STUART Tomlinson is determined to lay down a challenge for Crewe's number one shirt after being offered a rare start at League One leaders Leicester City tonight (7.45pm).

Caretaker manager Dario Gradi has rested first-choice keeper Steve Collis after Saturday's 3-0 loss at the hands of Stockport left an embarrassing tally of 40 in Crewe's goals against column after 17 games.

And Tomlinson is relishing a rare chance between the sticks after last starting a first-team game last September, a Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie at Chester.

Injuries have hampered the 23-year-old's career and he has been confined to 13 starts since making his Crewe debut in January 2003.

He underwent cruciate ligament surgery earlier this year, but was handed a one-year contract extension while he recovered.

"I'm pleased to get the chance to show what I can do and I must be doing something right in training," he said.

"I've been hit by niggling injuries and mishaps over the years, so it's nice to get a game as I've not played first team football for a long time. I am 23 now and if you look at my appearances I've made nowhere near as many as others my age.

"I've got to do my best. It needs a few results to get things going. Hopefully we can nick a goal and then shut them out – I'd be delighted with a clean sheet."

While stressing that summer free signing Collis hadn't made "any howlers", Gradi added: "Stockport's first beat him at the near post, the second went under him and for the third he wasn't in his goals.

"Stuart's an athletic and very brave keeper, but we've always thought of him as being a bit headstrong with the tendency to be a bit reckless.

"However, he's

"Stuart's contract is up at the end of the season, so he might as well have his chance."

Calvin Zola, ruled out on Saturday with a foot problem, is poised for a recall up front.

Meanwhile, Gradi, stresses managerial selection process has not moved on as the club's directors have not met yet to discuss potential candidates.