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The Wright way to go
From the Guardian Series, first published Thursday 28th Nov 2002.
FULL-back David Wright's return could be the only change to Crewe's line-up as Dario Gradi plots a fifth consecutive victory at Bristol City.
Wright, 22, missed out against Blackpool after sustaining a knee injury in the FA Cup game at Vale but has recovered in time for the crucial trip to their immediate promotion rivals with the boss indicating he's likely to get the nod over Efe Sodje.
As long as Dean Ashton made it through last night's England U20's meeting with Italy, the Alex manager will have the rare luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from.
"David thinks he's fit for the weekend and if Dean gets through the England game then we'll have everyone fit for the first time this season," he said.
"David has been our first choice right-back for 6 years now. Sodje played very well last Saturday, as good as he has for us, but I will put David back in the team if he is fit.
"No one is an automatic choice and I'm not the sort who likes to chop and change but competition for places is good."
Wright himself is determined to be back in the side and help Crewe to three points at Ashton Gate.
"I hope the knee's strong enough for the weekend and it's improving on a daily basis," he said
"It's a must win for us, I don't think a draw's good enough. Wigan, Cardiff and Oldham keep winning and we've got to stay with them. We were unlucky at Wigan and Cardiff and we don't fear anyone. On our day we can beat anyone in this league."
Gradi stated his side will prepare for the Bristol City encounter without Deano.
"Dean being away is a bit of a nuisance to us," he added. "We have to plan as if he won't be available and once we know if he is free from injury, we'll have to see if we can include him."
Fourth-placed Bristol City are the form team of Division Two at the moment, winning 7 out of their last 8 league matches in an undefeated streak of 11.
They rode their luck at rock-bottom Mansfield though, last Saturday, coming back from 4-2 down after 86 minutes to win 5-4.
Dario knows Crewe need three points to put more pressure on that top pack.
"It's a good one to win, it really is," he added.
"This is a good test for us. Our last big test turned into a farce at Wigan so hopefully this will be better.
"We will be contenders for promotion if we've got the best players.
"A good example is Rob Hulse who's hit some real high points this season. If we can get Dean and Rodney consistently doing the same, then we have some match winners."
DARIO Gradi feels his side's goal power is potentially the best in Division 2.
"Rob was in the background when Dean was getting all the plaudits," he continued.
"Now he's scoring the goals Dean was. I didn't think there was much between them then and I don't now, although they are different players.
"Both are improving, Dean's got a long way to go but he's got scope.
"If both played to their consistent best, they could be too good for this league.
"I think Rob's still got a bit to do. If a Premier team came in for him, I don't think he would start in the team straight away. This year is a good learning experience for him."
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