Crewe Alexandra Manager Dave Artell hopes to have Club Captain George Ray in contention for Saturday's match with Newport in South Wales.

The skipper limped out on the opening day demolition of Morecambe midway through the first half after taking a knock to the ribs & will now be monitored closely this week.

Ray is currently rated at 50/50 to make the travelling party on Friday, but Artell will give his man every chance to prove his fitness.

Dave said: "He [George] got a bang in his ribs at the back, we'll have to see how he is come the weekend.

"We'll wrap him up in cotton wool, he's got a bit of bruising but he should be alright. We don't know yet, it will be touch & go.

"If he's fit, he's fit. If he's not he's not. It's no big deal either way. It's a long season with a lot of games to get through."