Defender prepared to wear mask to protect damaged cheekbone to play.

Crewe Alexandra defender George Ray is set to wear a protective mask to get back playing ahead of schedule. The centre-half suffered a fracture of his cheekbone against Wigan Athletic in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and was knocked unconscious for a brief moment following the collision with Francisco Junior.

Ray, who celebrates his 22nd birthday today, has met a consultant and will not need an operation. The damaged cheek will heal naturally and the Warrington-based defender is prepared to wear a mask to make himself available as soon as he can.

The club are sourcing a company to find the best resolution when it comes to him playing with a mask.

Steve Davis told the club’s official web-site: “George is willing to play with a protective mask and at the moment the club are sourcing a company to get one made for him.

The boss added: “That is good news and he is willing for the cheek to heal naturally rather than needing an operation, so hopefully we will have him back sooner rather than later.”