ALEX legend Craig Hignett is staying on to see his former club finish the job of securing First Division survival.

And he wants to help get it done on the pitch.

One of the fans all-time favourites during Dario Gradi's near 21-year reign, Hignett has extended his loan from Premiership strugglers Leicester City until the end of the season.

Although he hasn't made the big impact everyone would have liked, the 34-year-old reckons he may know why.

"I'm delighted to stay and I just want to be involved," he explained.

"I think Dario feels I want to be a general on the pitch rather then score the goals.

"I've felt a little left out of the game stuck out wide.

"We've had a chat about it and he said he still thinks I can do a job out there.

"He knows I want to be involved and I'd rather get the ball and set the plays up.

"But I'm happy to do what I can."

He's enjoyed his return to the club he left 12 years ago.

"I've loved being back," he continued.

"Dario hasn't changed a bit and the lads have been great, it's been a good experience."

Higgy feels the Alex deserve to be in Division One.

"I think 52 points might be enough but you can't be sure until its mathematically safe," he added.

"I thought we played well and deserved all three at Reading, we had the better chances.

"All the players must want to stay in the First Division.

"I've seen some potential on the training ground and Dario's the one to bring it out but they need to stay playing at this level.

"To see a club of this size in the First Division with all the facilities they have is great and expectation levels do go up.

"But I don't think Crewe are playing above their station, I think they're playing where they should be."