Dario Gradi is expecting his leading marksman Calvin Zola to declare himself fit for this weekend's clash with Barnet after getting a full weeks' training under his belt. The Congolese striker, who has hit 16 goals this season was close to a recall for the trip to Lincoln City, but felt an extra week's training and conditioning would be more beneficial for the remaining 13 games of the campaign.

Zola had only two days training under his belt before Saturday's 1-1 draw at Sincil Bank but Gradi is convinced that the target man will be available for the weekend.

Dario told crewealex.net: "The final decision will rest with Zola but he has training very well. He is training better now than ever before since coming here. His movement has been terrific.

"He was close last week to making it but felt he needed a full week of training. It was his decision and there is no point trying to push any player if they do not feel 100% right.

"If he trains all this week then he will be ready to play. If he is fit then he will play because he does offer us something different up there.

The boss added: "He has a record of niggling injuries and I accept that that will play on his mind at times and he will be worried that he could suffer a reoccurrence. He is a big lad and has long hamstrings, so you do have to look after him a bit."