Attacking midfielder Ryan Wintle could be joining fellow team-mates, James Jones and Chris Dagnall, with some game time against Birmingham City on Tuesday. The former Alsager man is ahead of schedule from this knee injury and he is being considered for the club’s Development game.

Ryan Wintle overcame a fractured ankle to return to action in January and he scored his first goal of the season in the 4-3 defeat at Swindon before he suffered a knee injury in training.

Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell, who has always stated that Wintle has been one of the biggest misses of the season, said: “Ryan may also get some game time on Tuesday. It might be too soon and if there is a slightest doubt then he won’t be risked.

“We would leave it but I’m sure Ryan would want to play.

“We have been down this road before and have pushed them and we won’t take any unnecessary risks with any of them. We want them fully fit for first-team action.

“It would be nice to have a fully fit squad available at some point this season, but with what we have to content with this season in terms of injures, I won’t hold my breath. “