Davis says the return of Phillips and Osman is a timely boost

Steve Davis, the Crewe Alexandra manager, has told crewealex.net that it is welcome boost to have the experienced Steve Phillips and Abdul Osman back with us. Both senior players have recently recovered from injuries and resumed full training with the first-team squad and are expected to be named in the Crewe Alexandra travelling party for tomorrow’s clash at Walsall.

Although striker AJ Leitch-Smith (ankle), Ryan Colclough (jaw) and Andy Bond (groin), Steve Davis is pleased to have more options in his squad and says Phillips will make a difference.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “Having Steve Phillips back with us is a real bonus because he is a leader. He is great to have around the place, in the dressing room and out on the training ground. He has a wealth of experience and is an important member of our squad if he plays or not.

“I am pleased to have Abdul back as well. He has looked good since he came back from injury, a lot sharper and I think he will become a better player while he is here. He is fit and available and with Bondy struggling with his groin has a god chance of playing.

“It is a boost to have some of our senior players back because we have named a really young bench for much of this season but the injured players are coming back and offering that competition. It will nice to turn to the bench and see players who could come on and make a difference in League One rather than youngsters who haven’t made their debuts yet.”