Alex handed boost as defender set for match time for the Under-23s this week.

Eddie Nolan will return to training today after missing the last nine games in all competitions due a calf injury. The club’s Player-of-the-Season picked up the injury after landing rather awkwardly against our Cheshire neighbours Macclesfield Town back in early September and he later suffered a slight set-back with the news that some fluid had formed in the tendon.

The former Eire International has been given the all-clear now and it is hoped that he will given 45 minutes for the club’s Under-23s against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

Crewe boss David Artell told us: “Eddie will take part in training today. He will do a bit tomorrow and then hopefully have 45 minutes on Wednesday for the Under23s.

“He has come back quickly but it would have been even quicker but for a slight set-back. He went for a scan a couple of weeks ago and it needed a bit more time to settle down.

“He has been able to do some high speed running on Saturday and Sunday so we will see how he goes on Wednesday.”