Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland has paid tribute to "outstanding" captain Neil Cox ahead of the final game of his professional career.The 36-year-old is hanging up his boots after Saturday's crunch clash with Oldham, from which Alex need a point to seal their spot in League One for next season.

Cox, who has just recovered from a shoulder injury, was named on the bench for last week's defeat at Bournemouth and his experience could prove vital for the Railwaymen in what is certain to be a nail-biting 90 minutes.

Holland told the club's official website: "Neil has had an outstanding career which has seen him play at the very highest level and compete for trophies. He has been a credit to himself and his profession for many years and it has been a pleasure to work with him during the year I have been in charge.

"The only regret I do have is that I wasn't able to work with him earlier in his career because Neil is what I would call a proper footballer. He is a good player and a good leader of men. He has been there, seen it and done it in the game and has been a major influence during his time here at Crewe.

"After all he has achieved during his career he commands that instant respect from the rest of the squad. He has been the model professional and played a lot of games for us during the first half of the season. Injuries have hampered him a bit in the second half but he could still have a part to play on Saturday."

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