Crewe Alexandra’s influential midfielder, Paul Green, is hoping that he will be contribute enough in the second half of the season to warrant the offer of a new contract in May. Green is set to return from his knee injury by playing his first game since August for the club’s Under-23s next week and boss David Artell has no made no secret of the fact that we have missed the experience of the 35-year-old in our midfield engine room.

Green’s determination and the work of the club’s medical team has seen him back well ahead of schedule and his return in the New Year will be a welcome boost to everyone associated with the club.

Green excelled in the second half of last season as a late run from the Alex saw us ease away from trouble and finish in the relative comfort of mid-table.

Greenie told Ifollow the Alex: “It's tough watching the games week in, week out. Not being involved is the toughest part of it.

"It would be nice to get involved as soon as possible but I've got to make sure I'm right.

"When I got injured I was just thinking to myself 'can we be there or thereabouts coming into the Christmas period and New Year', maybe kick on from there.

"If I'm playing well I'd like to think I can show I warrant a new contract, but first and foremost I want to make sure I'm fit and raring to go.

Paul added: "What more can you want than doing a job you love? There are not many people who can say that and while I'm enjoying it I'll keep doing it."