DAVE Artell hopes upcoming cup clashes can be more than just distractions and help Crewe shake off their League One blues.

The Alex start their FA Cup campaign with a visit from League Two frontrunners Swindon on Saturday (K.O 3pm) before the final group game of the Papa John's Trophy sees them square up to Wolves under-21s next Tuesday night.

While Crewe have already qualified for the second round of the Trophy, in-form Swindon will present a tough test for Artell's side who have not won in the last nine games and are propping up the table.

Promoted as Champions in 2019/20 along with Crewe, they struggled in League One last term, but under the management of Ben Garner have an impressive unbeaten away record in the league with six wins and two draws.

Artell admitted: "We've met Swindon a lot over the last three to four years and we know what they're about.

"They've got a new manager and they are going well, so we've got to make sure we bring our game."

While Tuesday night's 1-1 draw was a disappointing outcome, at least Crewe were able to avoid chalking up a fifth successive defeat and boss Artell believes they can get some momentum with the aid of the cup games.

"We didn't lose on Tuesday night (1-1 versus Doncaster) so we need to build on that in the two cup games coming up.

"We'll try and win both games. The FA Cup is the greatest competition in the world and the challenge is there for us.

"We've got a home game against a lower league team who are going well.

"But we've got to make sure we show why we're better than them and in the league above."

And the Crewe manager reminded: "You're only ever one game away from turning your season around. We've got to make sure the two cup games help us to improve our league form."

Crewe will have to tackle the cup assignments without striker Chris Long who hobbled off early on in Tuesday night's game. He has a groin injury, although it is not expected to keep him out long term.

On the other hand, on-loan Southampton full-back Kayne Ramsay, faces at least another five weeks on the sidelines.

The 21-year-old has missed Crewe's last three games and Artell reported "It is a muscle injury between his tibula and fibula and he is wearing a boot at the moment. "