Lauri Dalla Valle: Crewe boss Steve Davis backing striker to come good after injury

Lauri Dalla Valle first played for Crewe on loan from Liverpool in 2012 before returning permanently from Norwegian club Molde in December 2014

Striker Lauri Dalla Valle can still have a major impact in Crewe Alexandra's attempt to avoid relegation from League One, says boss Steve Davis.

The Finn, 24, is set to return to action after four months out through injury, having successfully come through an under-21 game this week.

"As a kid, he's been prolific wherever he's been and I think he can score at any level," Davis told BBC Radio Stoke.

"He perseveres and keeps getting into positions, it's good to have him back."

Dalle Valle scored three goals in final five games of last season to help the Alex stay in League One and had found the net twice this term, before suffering an ankle injury in November.

His latest comeback coincides with another relegation scrap and Davis is hoping the former Liverpool trainee can hit the ground running.

"Lauri will rely on his natural instincts to be in the right place at the right time," Davis said

"He's good in the six-yard box getting tap-ins and rebounds and he's brave. You know when the ball's bouncing around in those areas, he'll be there."

No giving up from Davis

Despite the Alex's bleak-looking situation - seven points from safety with 10 games to go - Davis says his squad is fully prepared for the fight to stay in the division, ahead of Saturday's vital match with fellow strugglers Blackpool.

"The white flag can never come out," Davis added.

"You have to fight. There's no point saying 'we're down, we've had it' until that's a mathematical certainty.

"I'd like to think we can still play our football, despite the position we're in.

"We're talking about 30 points, that's a lot to play for."

Steve Davis is hoping to steer Crewe to a successive battle against relegation for a second season in a row