Club hopeful that influential midfielder will make Oldham after injury scare

Crewe Alexandra’s influential midfielder Jamie Ness is doubtful for this weekend’s home game against Oldham Athletic after complaining of a tight hamstring in training yesterday. As a precaution the on-loan Stoke City midfielder was sent in for rehab with head physio Rob Sharp.

Ness has been in outstanding form for Crewe, scoring the memorable winning goal against Bristol City just before Christmas and providing a number of assists for forward Nicky Ajose.

The Crewe staff will assess Ness’ fitness at today’s final training session before deciding on whether he will start against the Latics tomorrow.

Steve Davis told the club’s official web-site: “Nessy complained of some tightness in his hamstring in training yesterday and as a precaution we sent him straight off the training pitch.

He added: “We are hoping he will be okay and we will monitor him today before we decide if he will play. I have the team in mind but that will depend on one or two successively getting through training today.”