Crewe Alexandra defender Michael Raynes has joined Hartlepool United on loan until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old links up with Pools immediately & is available for their clash at Harrogate Town tomorrow.

Hartlepool currently sit 14th in the National League table & are 11 points off the play-offs with 17 games remaining.

Raynes joined Crewe in summer 2017 from Carlisle United & made 34 appearances in his debut season, scoring twice.

But this season has provided just one start & five substitute appearances for the former Scunthorpe, Rotherham & Oxford man & he moves on in search of regular first team football.

He will return to Crewe at the end of April when the National League season concludes, with his Alex contract also set to expire this summer.

Michael has always been commended at the Alex for his professionalism & heads to Pools with the best wishes of the Club.