Callum Ainley completed just over 65 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic Under-23s yesterday.

The creative midfielder made his long awaited return from injury to help Alex Morris’ side to a draw against the Latics.

The 23-year-old was making his first competitive appearance since suffering a grade 3 hamstring tear against Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup back in late November. He has returned ahead of schedule and will be a welcome boost for David Artell and his squad once he has got some more minutes under his belt at Under-23 level.

Ainley had made 19 appearances in all competitions this season before injury struck in the early minutes of our FA Cup defeat at Whaddon Road.

Tuesday night’s goalscorer at Blackpool, Stephen Walker, also completed the same time as Ainley at Wigan.

Regan Griffiths scored Crewe’s goal via the penalty spot.