Nicky Maynard is hoping he will be able to step up his rehabilitation again next week and start smashing some football around the training ground! Maynard is slightly ahead of schedule after suffering that horrendous broken Fibula injury on the opening day of the season and he has exclusively told Crewe Alex World that his fitness is improving almost daily.

Nicky told Crewe Alex World: "Things are going well at the moment and every day it seems to be getting better. It is going great at the moment and the physio says I am ahead of schedule, but like any player coming back from a major injury, I'm trying to avoid having a minor set back. They are common.

"Hopefully, next week I can push on even more and start smashing some balls around again. I have been able to do some short passing and play some football tennis, which has been good.

"There are a few aches and pains as my legs starting working again, but the fitness is good. I need to improve on that but the running is fine and I have had no reaction."