David Artell is pleased with the way the Bingham and Jones partnership is developing.

Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says the return of Billy Bingham has come at just the right time following the injury to his captain Danny Hollands.

Hollands, who has been ruled out for a further seven weeks after undergoing surgery on his hamstring injury attended Saturday’s 1-0 win over Portsmouth and saw Bingham and James Jones boss the midfield at Fratton Park.

Artell says he is pleased with the way Bingham has successfully returned to the starting starting line-up after a long lay-off.

“I was pleased with way Billy played on Saturday, I thought he and James Jones were the two best players on the pitch, along with Alex Kiwoyma ‘Says David. “They controlled the tempo of the game and were never really threatened defensively.

"“They got us on top in the game and were calm and composed in possession. They kept the ball well and with Danny ruled out, it has been good to have Billy back with us. It is just a question of trying to keep him fit and on the pitch and we are trying to help him with that.