Crewe Alexandra have received some encouraging news in regards to the injury to midfielder James Jones. The Scotland Under-21 midfielder has not featured for the club this season after undergoing a hernia operation in the closed season.

After having some discomfort in his pelvic area, Jones recently had an injection to ease the inflammation and pain in the surrounding area and the reaction has been positive.

Jones is not suffering as much discomfort and has been able to step up his rehab with the club’s medical staff. Jones, who scored 11 goals last season, is now working on strengthening the pelvic area.

Crewe boss David Artell told the club’s official web-site: “James had had an injection and it looks to have been effective. It has eased some of the discomfort he had been feeling and he is now strengthening the area. It has allowed him to push on again and it has been positive news.

“He will be able to do more recovery work now and that is good news for him and for us. Jonah is a top pro and always works his socks off.

“Everyone knows that he was close to a move in the window, so he doesn’t need any more motivation than that because we know his form last season caught the eye.”