CLAYTON Ince says his immediate concern is keeping Crewe in the Championship.

Although the big Trinidadian is out of contract this summer, future thoughts are on the backburner as he aims to help win the relegation battle.

Despite the odd blip, the 31-year-old must be a contender for player of the season with a string of top draw displays, particularly instrumental in Crewe's fine entry into 2005.

Putting to bed injuries and international absence, Ince was back to play a big part in Crewe's 1-1 draw at Gillingham and now wants to steer them through the run-in.

"Right now I am not thinking about a contract," he explained.

"I just want to help the club stay in the Championship.

"Once the manager sees my input into the team I think he'll talk to me about it.

"If he makes me happy, I'll try to make him happy."

Happy to be back between the sticks, Ince says the players are up for the fight.

"It's always good to be back in the team and to give the performance the manager and the team are looking for," he continued.

"Every point is very vital now.

"The lads are aware what is going on and no-one wants to drop. The fight is there."

Three points is the target against Stoke on Saturday.

"We always have that rivalry," he added.

"It's good to show that we've got the ability to beat them.

"We have got a good record against them and we should have won last time.

"We can show them we can this time around.

"We're just taking it one game at a time, not looking any further.

"We'd like to be safe before the last game.

"Hopefully we'll get the three points on Saturday and results will go our way."