DAVE Artell says he is glad he can fall back on experienced midfielder Luke Murphy's quality to win games.

Murphy took over duties from the injured Tommy Lowery for Crewe's dramatic late weekend success (2-1) at AFC Wimbledon after being left out of the starting XI and the matchday 18 in the previous two games.

His precise passing and deliveries have been a feature of the 31-year-old's play since he rejoined the club in the summer after spells with Leeds, Burton and Bolton.

While he has not started all Crewe's games Artell credits Murphy's significant contribution and highlighted his key role in Oli Finney's winner at Plough Lane.

"Of the three positions in midfield that is the hardest to fill because it asks so much more of the player. But Murph is a terrific player and his pass for the second goal into Chris was so good," said the Alex manager.

"I've been watching a lot of American football and it was like what you see in that sport in the way they put the ball out of reach of the linebackers.

"It's those little fine details that make all the difference and it is down to the quality that Murph has got in abundance."

Artell's midfield options will increase if Lowery, who was recovering from a knock suffered in last Tuesday's win over Plymouth, is declared fit as expected for the Boxing Day visit from Fleetwood Town (K.O 3pm).

The scene is set for a festive cracker to be savoured by up to 2,000 fans with Joey Barton's team a point below the Alex in 10th place.

Artell is urging his players to keep up their impressive home record, which has drawn national recognition.

Victory over the Cod Army would make it five wins on the bounce at Gresty Road, but the sequence of home success is long embedded and stretches back to the 2018/19 season with only 11 defeats in 42 League Two and League One fixtures.

"Those statistics mean a lot because if you get your home form right you have won half the battle," said Artell. "But we've got to keep striving to do that and there can be no let-up. But to be top of the form table at home for over three seasons is a very good stat."

The Alex boss will reward his players with time off over the festive period, including Christmas Day. Last year he was in less charitable mood after a Boxing Day humiliation at Salford City.

"They've earned Christmas Day off for what they've done over the last 12 weeks," added Artell, who is impressed with Fleetwood's potential team sheet.

"Fleetwood are a good club and it will be another challenge for us, but that is why we are in this league. Charlie Mulgrew and Glenn Whelan have played for Scotland and Ireland.

"But we were up against Joe Piggott and Ryan Longman at Wimbledon last Saturday and they are very good players too, but because they are at Wimbledon they might not get the credit they deserve."