DAVE Artell stresses that the EFL Trophy still has its worth as Crewe face a visit from Newcastle United under-21s tomorrow night (7pm).

The competition has been much maligned in recent seasons, particularly since the introduction of Premier League and Championship under-21 sides in 2016.

Meanwhile, last season's final between Salford City and Portsmouth - scheduled for Wembley on April 5 before Covid-19 hit - is still outstanding and won't be played until next year.

But the current group stage is well underway with Crewe, who will also host Shrewsbury, winning their opening clash (3-2) at Bolton earlier in the month.

Artell believes the tournament is invaluable in offering the opportunity to provide game time to squad players and his younger set, while vital revenue can be earned from making progress to the later stages.

"It gives us a chance to play more games and the more games you play the better you become. There is no point in crying over fixture lists," said the Crewe manager

"Everyone has the opportunity to play and it is a chance to impress. The big thing last season was that our success wasn't just down to the 1 to 11 on Saturday, but the 12 to 24 in the squad who were pushing and driving the 11 and that has got to be the case this season."

Crewe have hosted Newcastle's under-21s before in the tournament; a 2-1 defeat in August 2017 and Artell expects another tough night. The Alex have yet to beat an under-21 side over 90 minutes in four games, although they won the penalty shoot against Everton last season (after a 2-2 draw) to claim the extra point.

"They (Newcastle) move the ball well if you allow them to and that goes for most under-21s sides in this competition. It will be a tough night, last time we played them they beat us," said Artell who believes the big clubs do lend integrity to the competition.

"I think that is why the competition is still going because there is money being filtered down. We have got to take it seriously, it's an opportunity to develop and impress and there is money there."

The game will offer Tommy Lowery the chance to get some competitive action under his belt. The midfielder was an unused sub in Saturday's League One win over MK Dons and after featuring in an Alex under-23 game last week is moving ever closer to peak fitness after a troublesome spell in the treatment room.

Lowery last started a game in January and underwent hernia surgery during the lockdown, but it has not been a smooth path back into training for the 22-year-old.

Lowery said: "It's been a frustrating eight months as the injury has taken a lot longer than I would have thought. I was still getting soreness in pre-season and I pushed myself a bit too hard with the rehab. But hopefully I am on the right track now.

"There was a separate problem beyond what the operation fixed and we are trying to sort that out and I've been to see one of the best surgeons for groin repairs.

"It was nice to be back on the pitch (for the under-23 game) and playing with no pain. I couldn't remember what it was like to play pain-free."

Boss Artell added: "It is still early days for Tom, but he will play some minutes tomorrow, but how long I don't know. When he does come back we want to make sure it is for the rest of the season."