Experienced forward Chris Porter has told the club’s official website that he was learned over the years to make sure that his fitness peaks at just the right time for the start of the season.

The former Sheffield United and Derby County striker hit 12 goals in his debut season for Crewe and would surely have added to that tally but for an ankle injury that kept him out of action for two months.

Porter, 34, appreciates that he has a challenge on his hands to retain a regular place in the team, but he is used to playing with competition. The summer signings of Shaun Miller and Alex Nicholls has only increased our attacking options to cover a long season.

He said: “The objective is to make sure you are fit for the first game and then the games after that. I have been in over the summer ticking over and I’ve also done my own stuff, which I have done throughout my career.

“It is important to have that break and allow your body to recover.

“There have been pre-seasons where I’ve ran myself into the ground to make sure I am as fit as I can be but when the first game comes around, you may have a niggle here and there.

“I have learned over time to make sure I am fit but also to make sure that I continue to get that fitness in the opening few games. You have to make sure that your body is 100% fit. I want to flying on all cylinders again like I was last season.

He added: “The ankle is fine. It needed doing and having the operation will benefit me in the long term. “