One of those wind up alarm clocks that have a loud tick is good, sounds to the dog like his litter mates hearts. Put it right out side the crate, as suggested put a towel that smells like you in there. Def use a crate to house train and for the first year, make the crate a happy place for the dog, don't wanna use it as punishment. After that the dog should be ready to be out of the crate unsupervised for the day.
What ever you do! Don't give into the dogs crying as a way to get out of the crate. NEVER let it out if it wines or howls or cries!! They are manipulative little bastards dogs are and this is just the start of it trying to dominate you and get its way. Let it know early you are the boss and it has to deal with the rules.