Boss keen for returning midfielder to get more time under his belt.

Alex midfielder James Jones is unlikely to be involved against Gillingham this weekend after only making his return from a shoulder injury for the Under-21s on Tuesday. Jones completed the full 90 minutes against Doncaster Rovers in the Premier League Cup and he struck the winning goal from a last minute free-kick as Crewe progressed thanks to a 3-2 win.

The Scotland Youth International has missed the last three months after having surgery on his shoulder and manager Steve Davis wants him to get more game time under his belt before he is considered for a first-team recall. He was included on the substitutes' bench at Barnsley last weekend but that was an emergency measure because the club were missing 10 players through either injury or International commitments.

Steve Davis explained to the club’s official web-site: “It was pleasing that Jonah got through the 90 minutes for the Under-21s. He got through the game okay and managed to score a goal from a free-kick. He is good at them and practices them, so it was nice to see that come off for him as well.

“It was first run out for three months and he needs more game time. There is another game on Monday, so he will have another chance to work on that match sharpness again and we’ll take it from there.

“He has been training over the last few weeks and is a naturally fit lad anyway. He has used the time away from it to develop his physique and he will come back stronger.”