STEPHEN Foster admits the frightening pace of Darren Bent could cause Crewe problems this afternoon, writes Derek Davis.The Alex centre-back, along with Adie Moses, struggled to contain Wimbledon's attack last week and fears the Blues front men will create even more problems.

STEPHEN Foster admits the frightening pace of Darren Bent could cause Crewe problems this afternoon, writes Derek Davis.

The Alex centre-back, along with Adie Moses, struggled to contain Wimbledon's attack last week and fears the Blues front men will create even more problems.

He said: "We did not play well and we will have to make vast improvements against Ipswich.

"They are a big club although I'm not too sure about some of their players. I know they have a lot of pace up front, especially Darren Bent.

"We will have to be on our toes because they will hammer us for any slip-ups."

Former youth-teamer Foster and ex-Huddersfield and Barnsley defender Moses, are joined in defence by make-shift defender David Vaughan, a Wales under-21 international, who is more comfortable on the right wing.

The right side of defence will be filled by David Wright, one of the many graduates from manager Dario Gradi's famous youth system. Gradi has not been afraid to dip into the non-league and paid £50,000 to Hayes for midfielder Justin Cochrane. He is already making his mark. Not afraid to tackle, Cochrane has some rough edges but looks a good acquisition alongside the canny and hard-working Dave Brammer.

Luke Varney has been picked up from Midland Alliance side Quorn and is already pushing for a first-team spot.

Local lad Kenny Lunt is an experienced operator in midfield and another one of those who have stayed loyal to the Railwaymen after being brought through by Gradi.

With Rob Hulse leaving to join West Bromwich Albion, much more will be expected of Dean Ashton. The England under-19 striker returned from a hamstring pull to score against Wrexham in the 2-1 Carling Cup win and partners Northern Ireland international Steve Jones, who is trying to adapt from a wide player to a more central attacker.

Jones is another brought in from the non-league after Leigh RMI got £75,000 for him following stints at Bray and Chorley. He started his career at Blackpool but didn't play and didn't cut the mustard at Bury either before going across to Ireland and Sligo Rovers to try his luck.

Republic of Ireland under-21 winger Jon Walters is on the bench after missing Tuesday's game, as Bolton did not want the loanee cup-tied.

Trinidad & Tobago keeper Clayton Ince makes up the international look of the Cheshire club who may need to rearrange their game against Preston next month due to national call-ups.

Alex are likely to stick with the same side which won in midweek as their injuries have not cleared up.

Experienced defender Neil Sorvel needs another scan on an ankle injury and joins Paul Edwards and Richard Walker on the sidelines.