Ray comes through 90 minutes in readiness for return to first-team action.

Club captain George Ray is back in contention for the first team squad this weekend after successfully making his comeback for the club’s Under-23s against Burnley on Wednesday.

The centre-half has missed the club’s last three matches due to a hip injury but he played his part in Crewe’s 1-1 draw with the Clarets.

His central defence partner, Perry Ng, has deputised as captain in his absence.

Manager David Artell said: “George said he felt okay and wanted to play on Friday but we wanted him to be fully ready.

“We didn’t want there to be any doubts in his mind and we didn’t take that risk with him.

“He has come through on Wednesday and that was the plan, so if he trains well in the last two sessions then he will be available for selection on Saturday.”