Luke Offord is progressing nicely from his hamstring injury and has started kicking footballs again. The defender has not featured since suffering a grade 3 hamstring tear in the 3-2 home win over Bristol Rovers in the middle of January.

Offord, 21, was playing right-back at the time but has played most of 25 appearances this season at centre-half. The youngster has worked hard throughout his rehab and it is hoped that he return before the end of the season.

Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell told the club’s official website: “Luke has been out on the grass all week and he started kicking footballs again yesterday, so he is progressing very nicely. “

The boss also added that Donervon Daniels and Luke Murphy are fine after niggling injuries. Daniels came off just after the half an hour mark against Blackpool on Tuesday and was replaced by Rio Adebisi. Daniels had some stiffness in his hamstring and was withdrawn as a precaution at Bloomfield Road.

Murphy missed the trip to Blackpool after receiving a knock towards the end of our home game against Sunderland.