Crewe Alexandra’s Kenny Lunt says it has given everyone a timely boost to have influential captain George Ray back fit. The former Wales Under-21 International defender has not played a competitive game since suffering a fracture in his lower back away at Yeovil last Easter.

Ray has worked extremely hard to get back and he had to cope mentally with two set-backs as he made his way back to full fitness. But now after getting game time for the Under-23s and a month of full training under his belt, the centre-half is fit and available for first-team selection again.

Lunt told us: “George has been out a long time and it is good to have him back. He is a great character and to his great credit he was travelled with the team for most of the away games. He wants the best for the football club and he has been welcomed back with open arms.

“Having him back will be a big help for us. As soon as Dave (Artell) and myself were asked to be involved with the first-team last year, George was made captain. He is a big character and the players look up to him.

Kenny added: “It is great to have him back and hopefully he can perform like he did for us last season before his injury because he was outstanding.”