Boss says Ryan Colclough's next small challenge is to get through 90 minutes at Bramall Lane tonight

Steve Davis says Ryan Colclough’s first objective is to complete his first 90 minutes for over 16 months against Sheffield United’s Under-21s this evening. Colclough, who has missed such a large chunk of his development, is set to feature in his third comeback game since overcoming a problematic hip and hernia injury.

The talented winger, 20, is set to play at Bramall Lane this evening and Davis says a major part of his rehab programme will be to complete that first 90 minutes and see how he is tomorrow.

Getting a fit and firing Coco back would be a major boost to the Alex boss, who has been without one of the club’s most promising young players ever since he aggravated his hernia in a comeback game against Port Vale in November 2013.

Steve told crewealex.net: “Ryan has been training and he is fine. He had some tightness in his calf last week and that is why he didn’t play for the Under-21s but that is to be expected after he has been out for so long. Those secondary muscle injuries can occur.

“His first target is to get through 90 minutes again. That is his next step. Let’s see if he can through that period and see how he is. We will assess how he does and move forward accordingly.

“He needs game time and it will be a steady progression with him because he has missed a lot of football. I am sure we will only see the real best of him next season.

“When he has a full pre-season behind him and he is fully match fit will we see the best of Ryan. He has had to face a lot of catching up.”

Kick Off is 7pm at Bramall Lane this evening.