by Gwyn Griffiths

COLIN Daniel says he will prove he is a goalscorer if he is given an extended run in the Crewe side.

Caretaker boss Dario Gradi handed Daniel his first start in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at leaders Leicester.

Now the 20-year-old is determined to keep his place with Gradi prepared to leave open the door for fringe players while the search for a new manager at Gresty Road continues.

Daniel, who has just returned from a loan spell at FC Halifax Town in the UniBond Division One North said: "I want to take my chance.

"When I joined Crewe last season I was seen as more of a winger, but now I've been pushed forward more.

"Wherever the manager wants me to play I am happy to play and do my best for the team. I can score some goals. If I get a one-against-one or a foot in the box I will score a goal.

"It is a difficult time for the club, but everyone has got to stick together.

"If we do and the fans get behind us then I think we can still get out of trouble."

Former Carlisle and Walsall bosses John Ward and Richard Money have entered the frame for the Alex vacancy which was the main topic of discussion at last night's board meeting.

Crewe are without a game tomorrow as they wait to find out their FA Cup opponents (Grays or Carlisle).

But they received a boosted ahead of next Wednesday's potential second-round tie when Sheffield Wednesday agreed to let on-loan Kenny Lunt play in the cup.

Although another midfield loanee Stuart Green is recovering from a hamstring strain, yesterday's emergency loan deadline passed by without any additions to the squad.

But young defender Ashley Westwood was farmed out to UniBond neighbours Nantwich Town for a month, joining fellow first-year professionals Josh Thompson (Leek) and A-jay Leitch-Smith (FC Halifax Town) out on the non-League circuit.

CREWE have missed out on a sell-on windfall after Charlton agreed to sell former striker Luke Varney at a loss to Championship rivals Derby.

Varney has gone to Pride Park on loan with a view to sealing a permanent £1m deal when the transfer window opens.

But he cost the Londoners a £2.5m fee in the summer of 2007 when Crewe inserted a 20 per cent clause in the deal.

They have since received appearance money, while Varney's former club Quorn took a £400,000 cut when he left the Alexandra Stadium.

After scoring eight times last season, Varney has fallen from favour at the Valley.