CREWE hope to hang on to on-loan Chelsea keeper Rhys Taylor.

Brought in as cover for injured number one Steve Phillips, the 20-year-old has been one of the stars of a now steady start to the season.

Although Taylor’s current deal is due to expire next week, Alex boss Dario Gradi is confident of agreeing an extension with the Premiership champions.

“I’ve spoken to Steve Holland after speaking to Rhys,” he explained.

“He’s keen to stay and I’m keen to keep him so the question is on what basis.

“It can get complicated, I’d like him as long as possible but I don’t want to trap him if Steve (Phillips) regains his place.

“It’s just a question of getting everyone together.

“Chelsea been tracking him; they’re pleased with him and pleased with us.

“Rhys has done well, he’s quick and he keeps the ball out of the net, that’s a good start.

“Steve is on schedule, we thought around September time so he’s nearly there and it will give me three to choose from.”

As expected, Crewe had a quiet transfer deadline day as Gradi repeated that age-old phrase.

“I’m happy to go with what I’ve got,” he continued.

“Maybe at Christmas we’ll see where we are and what we need but at the moment I am happy with what we are doing.

“We’ve got a lot of players and the trick is to use them in the best possible way.

“Playing Mat Mitchel-King as a fullback is an indication of that.

“I don’t have the luxury of going out and getting exactly what I want.

“But he didn’t let us down and I don’t think he will.”

Calvin Zola’s bright cameo in the 1-1 draw at Lincoln could influence a change for the trip to Stevenage.

Gradi has been happy enough with his side’s start to the season.

“If we were better at taking our chances, we would have won all those games,” he continued.

“We’ve just got to keep plugging away to try and take them.

“Everyone tells me that Stevenage are team of giants that rely on set-plays a lot.

“Calvin did well on Saturday.

“He changed the game, we were able to build up better and his movement was good.”

Gradi was also delighted with Nick Powell, Max Clayton and Ben Garratt who all starred for England’s under-17’s, last week.

Powell netted while Garratt kept a clean sheet in a 4-0 victory over Australia.

The midfielder was also on target as England beat Portugal 3-1 to win the tournament.

“We know we have got some exceptional kids here,” concluded Gradi.