CALVIN Zola could make his long-awaited return at Torquay today (3pm) – although the club's leading scorer may have to settle for a place on the bench.

The 16-goal striker, who last featured at Rochdale on February 6, had been expected to play against Barnet last weekend before he suffered an ankle injury.

Dario Gradi is reluctant to break up the front partnership of Clayton Donaldson and Shaun Miller after their impressive demolition of Grimsby on Tuesday, but the Alex boss admits Zola could prove to be a useful substitute at Plainmoor.

"Calvin is fit again, so he could yet start at Torquay, but I've got one or two permutations up front now if I want to make changes," he said.

"The boys did well on Tuesday night. Clayton was a real handful and Shaun gave me food for thought when he dropped deep."

Crewe travelled to Devon yesterday without midfielder Ashley Westwood (ear infection).

Either Steve Schumacher or Simon Walton will replace him.

New recruit Chris Stokes should make his debut at left-back as a replacement for Matt Tootle (dead leg) after signing on a month's loan from Bolton.

Stokes eager to take chance: Page 63