ALEX boss Dario Gradi may still make a move for midfield cover after missing out on Finnish International Aki Rihilahti.

His season-long quest to ease the burden on Crewe's engine room of Kenny Lunt and Neil Sorvel looked to have reached a conclusion, last weekend, until a sudden U-turn saw the 24-year old join Crystal Palace in a £200,000 deal.

As a temporary solution, Gradi indicated he was likely to make a loan move ahead of today's transfer deadline.

"It's my only worry really," he said. "And it's better to be safe than sorry.

"I don't like getting pushed into buying and I had only known him two days but it was too good an opportunity to turn down.

"But he's chosen to go to Palace and that's the way it goes."

It has the makings of an interesting debut for Rihilahti who will be set to make his bow for the struggling Eagles against Crewe on Saturday week.

Colin Cramb is expected to remain out on loan at Bury or another club for the rest of the season unless any offers are received before the deadline while Phil Trainer and Anthony Charles have returned from loan spells at Hyde United with forward John Grant going the other way.

"He'll enjoy it there and he knows their manager Mike Mackenzie who will be good for him," added Gradi.

Certainly easier on supporters' pockets, the postponement of this Saturday's trip to Wimbledon because of international call-ups was also welcomed by the Alex boss.

"I'm glad of the break and it gives us a chance to rest players like Kenny and Neil who have played a lot of games and covered a lot of ground, this season."

Gradi has every reason to be upbeat after Crewe's tremendous run of form in 2001 and is optimistic about the rest of the season and beyond.

"We've still got just under a quarter of the season to go and I think when we hit 50 points, we can start to relax a little.

"I don't think 45 will be enough in the end and now we can see how high we can go to give us a chance of doing something next season.

"It's been nice to get a good run going and if we can keep it going we can start next season more optimistically."

For all those who cannot do without an Alex fix, this weekend, the Under 19's are in action at the Alexandra Stadium, on Saturday, with kick-off at 11am and admission £2 for adults and £1 concessions.

All kinds of competitions and a new betting line are now up and running on the Alex's official website - www.crewealex.net

Remember every hit is vital before the begining of April with each Football League club receiving a percentage of revenue depending on the total amount of hits they receive.

BY TOBY ROBINSON