Crewe Alexandra midfielder James Jones has started running on grass again. The Scotland Under-21 International suffered a knee injury in training on the verge of his return to first-team action. 

Jones has missed the entire season so far after having a hernia operation in pre-season, but it is encouraging news for the football club as we enter the final few months of the season.

It would be a major lift to have the attacking midfielder available for selection again after he scored 11 goals from his 50 appearances last season.

David Artell told the club’s official website: “Jonah has been out running on grass again so that has been a major positive this week.

“He went out yesterday for a run and has felt fine. Hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel for him.

“I don’t complain too much about injuries because they are part and parcel of football but we have had our fair share. We have been given a ridiculous hand this season. We thought we were getting three back in January, that didn’t happen and then we got three more.

“It is part of the game and you have to get on with it.”