After an injury hit first season the boss is backing Atkinson to come back stronger.

Steve Davis is backing Chris Atkinson to rise to the challenge and really show his potential after suffering an injury hit first season with us. Atkinson, 23, was restricted to just 12 starts after signing from Huddersfield Town last summer. He also came off the bench a further 11 times in League One but ended the season with a shoulder injury after landing awkwardly on it in the opening minutes of our home encounter with Walsall on 18^th April.

. ^thAtkinson has recovered from his shoulder problem and is all set to challenge for a starting place when the pre-season games kick off on July 10

The Crewe Alexandra boss told the club’s official web-site: “Chris is over his shoulder injury and has been doing the conditioning work in the summer.

“We know we haven’t seen the best of him yet and that is because he has had his injury problems. He has had a number of set-backs last season and the trick will be for him to stay fit for as long as possible.

“He is committed and ambitious and wants to do well and if he can stay out on the pitch then I am sure he will desperate to show his worth.

The boss added: “I’m sure he is aware that I am looking for two new midfield players but Chris is the type of lad who will welcome that challenge and it will be up to him. We will see how he does in pre-season and take it from there. “