'I've got a sneaking feeling we've got a good team' - Gradi

It's been some start to the season as Crewe occupy 11th place in Division One, two points off top spot and sandwiched between relegated Premiership outfits West Ham and Sunderland.

It makes good reading and everybody's buzzing.

Among them is Dario and he's optimistic.

"It will be interesting to see how we can follow that performance," he said.

"We've played nobody that's frightened us and we've done well in most of the games.

"I really don't know how we're going to do this season.

"I've got a sneaking feeling we've got a good team and we could even surprise ourselves.

"Since pre-season we've had some terrific results and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for us.

"It was a terrific game of football from two excellent sides.

"It was one of the best and most enjoyable since I've been here."

Now Crewe will look to maintain their early season momentum at Burnley on Saturday.

A mass exodus of players and off-the-field problems looked to have taken a toll at Turf Moor as Stan Ternent's side endured a miserable start to the season with three defeats.

But a convincing 3-0 win at Gillingham on Monday could have been the kick-start and a stark reminder that this season may see an extremely tight Division in which anybody can beat anybody week in, week out.

Alex's new £175,000 signing Anthony Tonkin could make the squad after agreeing a three-year deal on Monday.

It's taken some time and three bids in total to get the 23-year-old but the long-standing search for a left-back is finally over.

Although not fully match-fit after being frozen out of Carlton Palmer's plans at Stockport while the wrangle raged, Tonkin could yet figure at some stage.

David Wright should also be fit after missing Monday night with a calf strain leaving Gradi with a fully fit squad to select from.

Crewe's next fixture at home to Preston on September 6 is still in doubt due to International call-ups.