David Artell praise for 'leader' Raynes after letting him go out to play games for Hartlepool.

Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell has praised the professionalism of Michael Raynes after he allowed the experienced centre-half to join Hartlepool United on loan until the end of the season.

Raynes has fallen down the pecking order at Crewe mainly to the form of the likes of George Ray, Eddie Nolan, Perry Ng and Nicky Hunt and at this stage of his career it was best for both parties if he was able to go out and play some competitive games.

Artell says that Raynes will return to the Alex before the end of the season and his future will be resolved then. Raynes, 31, is out of contract at Gresty Road this summer.

David told the club’s official website: “Michael will be back with us in the last week of the season and we will go from there.

“He is a great professional and a great lad and I’m sure that he will do well for Hartlepool. It was important for him to go out and play games.

He added: “It didn’t surprise me that when a player went off for Hartlepool at the weekend, he was handed the captain’s armband. That is what he is, he is a leader. “