Crewe Alexandra midfielder Ryan Wintle has commenced running again after having his supportive boot removed. Wintle has not featured for the club since fracturing his tibia against Carlisle United back in September.

Wintle had made 11 appearances from the beginning of the season and had secured a regular place in the side since David Artell succeeded Steve Davis as manager back in January.

The Crewe boss told the club’s official website:  “Ryan is progressing well. He has started running. He has been able to make a step up without any problem.

“We will review him week by week but he is doing really well in his rehab and it has been positive news.

He added: “We have had to be more tentative with George (Ray). He hasn’t played at all since March, so it will be slower process with him. We will just be extremely careful with him because we don’t want any set-backs.”