Grant not expected to feature but wingers could return

Recent signing Anthony Grant is not expected to play any part in tonight’s pre-season friendly against Blackburn Rovers. The 26-year-old midfielder joined Crewe from Stevenage yesterday after leaving his previous club by mutual consent.

Grant will perhaps need a weeks’ full training under his belt before he is considered for selection but he could be included for the squad that travels to Chester this week or to Stafford Rangers a week today.

Grant underwent fitness tests yesterday with head physio Rob Sharp and fitness coach Andy Franks at the club’s Reaseheath training complex.

Defender Harry Davis (dead leg) is struggling after he picked up the knock at Newcastle Town. AJ Leitch-Smith (groin) is also set to miss the first home friendly of the pre-season after making a promising start to his summer campaign with four goals.

Gregor Robertson (Achilles) is still progressing well but won’t be fit enough but Mathias Pogba and Adam Dugdale are fine after missing the tail end of last season.

 Wingers Byron Moore and Ryan Colclough could return after being rested against Nantwich Town following slight knocks, but the on-trial Luke Giverin (knee) is out for a couple of weeks.