Courtney Baker-Richardson is ‘champing at the bit’ to get back on the pitch for Crewe Alexandra.

That’s according to Lee Bell, who says the striker’s return to full training after four months on the sidelines is a big boost.

The Manager did, however, express caution about throwing the top-scorer into the first-team fray too quickly.

Bell said: “He’s back with no restrictions on his training. He’s champing at the bit and desperate to play, and it’s brilliant to have him back in the squad.

“Courtney is a lively character and I enjoy being round him, he can bring extra out of the other players around him too.

“But we need to just monitor him and come up with a programme that suits him. We have to think long-term with him.

"He’s sensible and knows where he is at, and knows you can injure something else when you’ve been out for some time if you rush things.”

Baker-Richardson blasted eight goals in 14 starts before suffering a serious hamstring injury that required surgery at the end of October.

Meanwhile, midfielder Charlie Colkett is also back in training and is available for the trip to Sutton United this weekend (Saturday, 3pm).

Defender Kelvin Mellor is back in training and is expected to be available to face Salford next week.

Winger David Amoo (hamstring) could resume training next week, while long-term absentees Christopher Long (foot) and Zac Williams (hamstring) are making good progress.