David Artell admits that the enforced break due to the freezing temperature would have only have helped players with niggles or longer-term injuries. The Alex boss was afforded some extra time with his squad due to the postponement of our home fixture against Portsmouth last weekend.

The likes of winger Charlie Kirk and defender Donervon Daniels have only benefitted from the extra training days and load placed upon them. Kirk has not been involved in the last two fixtures against Shrewsbury and Peterborough after complaining of a tight hamstring when being replaced against Ipswich.

Daniels has suffered injury-wise since signing for the club in the summer but he has played 45 minutes and 70 minutes in the last couple of under-23 fixtures and has suffered no ill-effects in training. Daniels would have played 90 minutes against Hull City on Monday but the game was postponed due to the poor weather.  

Artell explained to crewealex.net: “The mini-break if you like, has benefitted most of the players, certainly those who have played a lot of games lately or have niggles. It would have done them some good to get some rest and recuperation in and they can go from there.

“It would have certainly benefitted Charlie (Kirk) who had a bit of tight hamstring. He needed that rest and we had to be cautious with him because we didn’t want another long-term hamstring injury.

“Donervon is coming along great and has played two Under-23 games. He would have played the full game on Monday at Hull, but that was postponed. He has a bit to go but he not far off. He is a lot fitter and credit to him, he has worked hard to get back.

“He is back training with us and we will see how he is this week.”