Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell remains hopeful that James Jones will commit his future to the club this summer.

The Scotland Under-21 International made his return to first-team action in the 2-1 win over Newport County on Saturday. The midfielder replaced Tom Lowery at the interval as Crewe secured back-to-back wins for the first time since August.

Artell told the club’s official website: “It is always a bonus to have players who have been out for so long back from injury. Injuries are part of the game and they are no-one’s fault. It is not the player’s fault, the manager’s or the physio’s. They just happen and you have to get on with it. That’s life.

“Jonah is an excellent player and we have missed him. Any team would miss a player who scored double figures from midfield last season. He was close to a move, so now he has to work hard on his fitness and I’m sure he will get opportunities.

“We would like him to sign his contract and to stay. If he does then that will give him the platform to kick start his career again. It would give him a chance to re-ignite his career here with us.”