LUKE Murphy says Crewe's players need to "stand up and be counted" in tomorrow's relegation six-pointer with Doncaster.

The club skipper says he plans to be "more vocal" to try and inspire his team mates, who were all handed some uncomfortable home truths by boss Dave Artell during a lengthy dressing-room inquest after Saturday's 4-1 home loss at the hands of MK Dons.

Murphy says he aspires to be like senior pro Chris Porter who also addressed the Alex players after another heavy home defeat, which has left them seven points from safety and needing to beat second-bottom Donny (K.O 7.45pm).

"After the game Chris spoke to them and he did that really well. I am learning from him because I know I need to improve off the pitch. I need to be more vocal," said the midfielder.

"There's only so long that we can use the excuse that we've lost a lot of good players and we're taking time to gel.

"We've got good players here now, but we've got to do the other side of the game to get ourselves in a good run.

"We were asked after the game whether it "hurt us". It's the club I've grown up at and I take it home with me. To see the standards drop is hard and it is time to stand up and be counted to turn it around.

"Doncaster is a must-win game as we need points on the board against a team who are down there with us."

While individual players were quizzed about their motivation during the dressing-room lock, Artell says the topics of the lengthy assessment need to stay in-house.

"I try to protect the players and make sure that I don't make it personal to individuals. What was said was what needed to be said and hopefully the players will take that on board," said the Crewe manager.

"I didn't think it was a 4-1 game, but I wasn't surprised that it ended that way. That can't happen."

Of the Doncaster game, said: "They are all big games. Does it make this a must-win game? You can call it that, but they are all must-win games in my book."

Meanwhile, Artell says anyone found responsible for racist abuse should "never set foot" in the Mornflake Stadium again.

Crewe issued a statement stating the club were aware of "a racist abuse incident that happened in the stands" during the MK game, and said they had passed the matter on to Cheshire Police.

Artell said: "It is just nonsensical and ridiculous and why people want to speak about someone's colour is beyond me. I don't know what actually happened, but whoever it is shouldn't come to a game again. I don't want that person in the ground."