Ryan Colclough has made a successful return to training and could feature for the 21s soon

Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis says that Ryan Colclough has looked sharp and physically in  good shape after his long awaited return to training. The winger has missed over 15 months of football after being ruled out with a problematic hip and hernia problem.

The Stoke-on-Trent born youngster underwent surgery to ease the discomfort he was feeling over such a long period of time and the club agreed for him to see specialists at St. George’s Park as part of his rehabilitation.

Colclough who last featured for the first team as a late substitute against near neighbours Port Vale back in November 2013 successfully came through the club’s necessary fitness tests to resume full training with the first team. It is hoped that Colclough could be handed some game time in a forthcoming Under-21 fixture over the next two weeks.

Steve updated the club’s official web-site: “Ryan is back training with us with the last couple of weeks and although he has a lot of football to catch up on, he has looked relatively sharp and he is physically good.

“He is probably getting there when he is ready for a game. We hope we can include him in an Under-21 game, hopefully next week. He has missed a lot of football and it will take a bit of time for him to get back where he should be.

“He has been doing some extra work to get up to speed and he is pushing hard to get back. Ability wise we know it is there. We just have to see where he is with his fitness in a game situation.

“When you are out of the game for a long time, your confidence can take a knock but I don’t think that has been the case with Ryan. He is a confident lad and had that belief in himself. It would be good to have him back because having him with us would be like a new signing.”