Crewe Alexandra defender George Ray got another 70 minutes under his belt against Leeds United’s Under-23s on Monday and the former Wales Under-21 International will be hoping to play another couple of fixtures before he would be considered for first-team action again.

Ray has not played first-team football since fracturing his lower back last Easter but he has now managed to play a part in fixtures against Hull City’s Development Squad, Runcorn in the Cheshire Senior Cup and then again against the Leeds’ youngster on Monday.

David Artell, the Crewe boss told us: “George has had some tough games on his way back. Hull had Will Keane playing up against him and that is £2 or £3 million worth of talent and Leeds had some lively players as well, so it has been tough but good for him.

“He has come through unscathed and that is what it has been about. He didn’t suffer any reaction and we are building him slowly. He would probably need another game or two and two weeks of solid training in between them to get back somewhere like he was.

“We have been pleased with him and we will continue to go through cautiously with him.”