Alex midfielder James Jones is closing in on a return to training but David Artell says he will remain cautious with him. Jones has not featured over pre-season after undergoing hernia surgery.

Jones has trained without any discomfort for a fortnight now and Artell is confident that the attacking midfielder will be back soon to bolster his squad options.

David told crewealex.net: “James is a bit behind Jordan, he's training this week, we'll see how he gets on.

“I've told him, there are no deadlines. Mansfield was not the deadline. Newport is not a deadline, Barnet is not a deadline. I just want him fit, I don't want to take a risk and potentially put someone out again. We'll know when he's fit and ready.”