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Crewe manager Steve Davis has praised recalled defender Carl Martin ahead of the second leg of their play-off semi-final with Southend.

Alex take a slender 1-0 advantage into tonight's return game at Roots Hall despite Davis having raised eyebrows with an unexpected team selection at the weekend.

But his decisions were vindicated as Matt Tootle impressed in an unfamiliar left-midfield role and special praise was reserved for Martin, who made a telling contribution to a miserly backline on his first appearance for 12 matches.

"I thought he was terrific," said Davis. "He pulled up with cramp a little bit at the end and we had to bring him off, but he's been out of the picture since March.

"He wouldn't have expected at all to be anywhere near the 16. I had a good chat with him and he was ready. He'd prepared himself properly, he'd had an early night - I checked that first.

"What you've got to do is trust your players and trust that they can go out and do the job for you. For him to come in, get his opportunity and take it like he did I think is excellent."