CREWE Alexandra have been stepping up their search for a striker in time for the new season's big kick off at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

With Mark Rivers unlikely to be risked for the opener, even if he does recover in time, the vacant spot up front is proving a difficult dilemma for manager Dario Gradi.

"The one player we have been short of for some time is a striker. We've been trying hard to find someone this week and we're waiting to hear from people," said Gradi, not mentioning any names.

If no-one does arrive this week, the role could go to 17-year-old John Grant, who has been the most impressive of the forward trio, including Paul Tait and Peter Smith, during Crewe's pre-season preparations.

Tait, 24, has signed a one-year contact after Gradi felt he could reach the required standard of Division One football given some time.

"By Christmas he should be established." commented Gradi.

He missed the game at Blackpool with a toe injury but was due to return to action in a reserve run out against Worcester on Tuesday night.

One player that doesn't look like making a quick return is Cameroon trialist Oumar Belongar.

"Things have gone quiet with Oumar," said Dario. "We told his agents what we were prepared to pay him and haven't heard anything back yet. But there's no rush for him, it would be a while before he was ready for the first team."

Negotiations with the other trialist, Trinidad and Tobago keeper Clinton Ince seem to be progressing better though and his agent is tying things up with Ince's current club.

Whoever does fill the strikers boots will be playing alongside Rodney Jack in a team unlikely to be that different from the one that started against Blackpool.

Crewe will need to perform a lot better on Saturday.

Considering the strength of sides in Division One Palace are the type of side the Alex need to be getting points from to get off to a good start.

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