Oldham Athletic

The gaffer, who is nearing a year in charge of the football club, has watched Saturday's opponents a few times this season and admits it's a game the club needs to win.

He said: "It will be a great one to win because we can nudge away from them. We've also got a better goal difference than them and sometimes that can count as an extra point at this stage of the season. I've seen Crewe a lot and it will be a tough game. They've got spirit and certain players back fit so it will be a tough game.

"We certainly look a bit stronger physically going into the game. Worrall is back due to the clause of the loan and Clarke-Harris isn't suspended anymore. Dayton is also back to we've got a selection conundrum."

After indicating on Tuesday night that he might try and get extra players on board, the manager revealed that he almost managed to sign a couple of players but the deal fell through at the final hurdle.

"It's been difficult trying to bring players in. We had two players lined up but they both got injured yesterday which didn't help," commented the boss. "There is not an awful lot of players available at the present moment but the ones that are, are from the under 21 leagues. We are trying very hard to add a bit of strength to the side.

"There is no doubt we've used too many players this season. There has been certain circumstances as to why we've used too many players. Some was injury, other loss of form so going forward, we want to be using half the amount we've already used."

The travelling support so far this season has been superb and Johnson heaped praise on the fans, calling for a similar atmosphere on Saturday. 

"The supporters have been fantastic at away games," said the 32-year-old. "It's not too far away so I'm sure there will be many there to cheer us on. We'll make sure we'll acknowledge them because they spend there time and money to support the boys so it's good to give something back."

Watch the full interview on Latics Player now.