George Ray is on course to be involved in the up-coming pre-season openers against Buxton and Kidsgrove next week after missing the tail end of last season due to a back injury.

The defender suffered a fracture in his lower back at Yeovil Town over Easter to prematurely end his season, but he has stepped up his rehab and running since returning to full training. Ray who captained the Crewe side after David Artell succeeded Steve Davis in January, is hoping to be available as soon as possible and get some game time under his belt.

Ray has been running on his own with the sports science staff this week to give him the best chance of making a return to action.

The Crewe boss told the club’s official web-site: “George has been given the all-clear on his back. He has been doing extra strengthening work and has been running on his own.

David added: “We are being cautious with him so it doesn’t happen again. We want him to be fit and ready. George will continue with the hard work and I’m sure he will be fine for the start of the season.”