David Artell has revealed that his defender George Ray is close to a return to action. Ray is set to undergo a scan later today and if he gets the green light, he will be able to resume full-time training.

The centre-half has not played since suffering a fracture of the lower back away at Yeovil over the Easter games.

Although he has been able to keep his fitness levels up, the former Wales Under-21 star has not been permitted to put too much pressure on his back, as he waits the go-ahead to resume full-time training.  

David Artell told crewealex.net: “George has got a scan which should give him the all-clear. He's been getting fit in the meantime, but in a modified way.

“So it's been altitude chamber on the bike and on the Alter G treadmill so he's only been putting 70% of his body weight through it.

“He feels great. We want all the players fit so hopefully he will get the all-clear, but if he doesn't he'll keep working hard. He's a good lad and we will welcome him back when he's fit.”