David Artell remains hopeful that his Crewe Alexandra squad could be bolstered by the return of a collection of his injury players.

Midfielder Josh Lundstram played 45 minutes for the club’s Under-23s against Ipswich Town yesterday and fellow midfielder Oli Finney is pushing hard to try and return to training this week ahead of the final game of the season against Shrewsbury on Sunday.

The Alex boss is also waiting on news on Nathan Wood, Luke Murphy and Tom Lowery ahead of the visit of the Shrews. All three missed Saturday’s 1-0 win at Bristol Rovers with slight injuries.

Artell told the club’s official website: “Josh came through 45 minutes for the Under-23s yesterday and there is another game on Thursday, so we see how he is for that one.

“Oli is a bit further behind than Josh but he is pushing hard and we’ll have to see if Sunday comes a little too quick for him.

“The others have slight injuries, so all we can do is see how they progress through the injury and if they can get some days training under their belts and make themselves available.”