Skipper set to face Blackburn today

Crewe Alexandra Club Captain Matt Tootle has travelled with the Under 21 squad for today's friendly at Blackburn Rovers.

Tootle has been out of action since the league defeat to Sheffield United in October after picking up a virus, missing five games in league and cup.

Having been back in training the last few weeks, Toots is now set to step up his match fitness against Rovers in preparation for the trip to Scunthorpe on Saturday.

A strong looking Crewe Alexandra Under 21's side will also feature the likes of Lauri Dalla Valle, Alan Tate, Chris Atkinson, Marcus Haber & Jon Guthrie who will all be looking to impress to earn a spot in the side at the Iron.

Alex Manager Steve Davis said: "Matt has been out about four weeks with his illness, it's knocked him about a bit but he wants to play today.

"He's been training the last couple of weeks and looks ok, so we'll see how he goes. If he can get back to how he was playing last season then he's going to be a real plus to bring back into the team."