Crewe Alexandra have been handed a boost this week with the news that experienced defender Michael Raynes has resumed full training.

The centre-half has missed the club’s last four games after suffering a groin injury but the former Carlisle man is hoping to declare himself available for selection ahead of this weekend’s trip to Cheltenham.

David Artell told the club’s official website: “Michael is training again. He has been out there training and looks fine. We will see how he is today and think about tomorrow.

“We have a few with niggles and that happens and you have to get on with it. We have tended to lose two and two come in and then we lose two and none come in. That is the way it has been for much of the season.”