Young striker back to boost Alex options

Max Clayton has made a successful return to training and could be involved in the travelling squad for tomorrow’s trip to Shrewsbury. The Alex youngster has not featured in the starting XI since Walsall away because of a groin strain but the England youth international has been given all the clear and is available for selection.

He has been joined by winger Ryan Colclough, who has also returned to training after suffering that fractured jaw at MK Dons. Colclough is expected to feature at some stage for the Under-18s against Leeds and then for the Under-21s on Monday against the same opposition.

AJ Leitch-Smith is still out with his ankle injury and Michael West (illness) is also a doubt.

Neil Baker the club's assistant manager told crewealex.net: "Max coming back gives another option and the front four are doing well at the moment as well. Max will be desperate to play because he loves his football and wants to do well. I think the break will have done him some good both mentally and physically.

"He is ready to come back into it but we all still have to be patient with him. That is the management, the supporters and Max himself. We have a planned course for him and Max has to be patient with himself as well.

"There is pressure on him like there is with all our young players who are expected to do well. We know he is a very good player and will just need some time."