David Artell says that Crewe Alexandra will be welcoming back one of the finest midfield players in League Two when James Jones returns fully fit after a solid pre-season.

Jones signed a new two-year deal yesterday and will be one player aiming to get back into action as soon as possible. The club’s former Scotland Under-21 International has endured a horrible season with injuries, but he is hoping to make a fresh start this summer.

Artell was delighted that Jones has agreed to stay with the club until the summer of 2020 and he says that the attack-minded midfielder is up there with the very best in the division.

David told crewealex.net: “If you were to list the top six midfield players in League Two then Jonah would be right up there with them. He would very close to the top and that is how highly we rate him.

“We have seen what we can do at this level. He scored 11 goals from midfield last season and only injures have prevented him from possibly moving to the Championship. We can all see what a good player he is.

“If he can get back to the level we have previously seen and then push on next season, then we will have a really top player on our hands. It will be like signing a top player again.”