CREWE boss Dario Gradi believes all the signs are good as his squad gear up to go flat out to secure automatic promotion.

He feels his side is set to improve even further as they enter this critical phase of the season, targeting a top two finish and an immediate return back into Division One.

Three points at Chesterfield on Saturday will set up that rearranged top of the table clash with Wigan at the Alexandra Stadium on Tuesday night.

"We've had a good fortnight's rest and we've got players like Steve Jones back to work with this week," he said.

"Although the majority of training has been indoors, we're enjoying it and we'll be ready for Saturday.

"If we get the win at Chesterfield, it sets us up nicely for Tuesday.

"We've got it all to play for and we're in a super position.

"We'll go for it. We're looking good and I think we'll improve in the back half of the season, particularly from the attacking perspective."

Gradi was disappointed not to already have Wigan in the can, as was everyone with last Saturday's big match off due to a frozen pitch.

"I thought it was playable but the referee, and all the officials to be fair, said it wasn't," he explained.

"They make the decision.

"Financially it's poor for us. There's the police to pay for and we won't get as good a gate as we would have for a Saturday.

"So that has serious implications for the club but we would never risk the players if we thought the pitch was unplayable.

"It's a pity Wigan hadn't arrived earlier because had both me and Paul been here, they might have listened to us."

The problem appears to be shading from the roof of the Railtrack Stand although undersoil heating isn't an option.

"We'll be doing some work on the pitch during the close season," he continued.

"It hasn't been right from the start and grass didn't grow during the summer.

"We did consider undersoil heating when we first did the work but it is expensive to install and run and you have to keep replacing the turf as it bakes the soil."

Nevertheless, he's happy to see the game rearranged for Tuesday.

"We'd like Brammer and Foster to be fit but you could find if it was played later we'd end up having Rodney and Rob out.

"We've got to go for it and get it over with."

"We have to be able to carry two of our first team out through injury and we think we can."

With Brammer struggling to shake off his groin strain and Ben Rix still on the sidelines, Lee Bell is in line to make his full debut at the Recreation Ground.

"He's 20 years old now and he's dying to get in the team," he continued.

"I saw Chesterfield at Vale and they were like sides that have beaten us.

"We'll say we're better than them but that doesn't mean to say that we'll win.

"We've just got to prove it.

"As long as we get the points on Saturday, it's a big game on Tuesday.

"We're enjoying it being exciting, at the other end of the table it's drama."