Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland welcomes back defender Chris McCready for Saturday's League One visit of high-flying Carlisle United.McCready returns to the Alex squad after recovering from a hamstring injury which has kept him sidelined in recent weeks.

The Railwaymen hope to have midfielder Michael O'Connor available again after illness, but long-term absentee Billy Jones (knee) remains sidelined.

Ben Rix suffered an ankle knock in Tuesday's 1-0 win at Leyton Orient and is doubtful for the Cumbrians clash.

Julian Baudet will miss the clash with a calf injury sustained in the second half of that game, while forward Byron Moore remains a doubt with the same problem.

Skipper Neil Cox will hope for a return to the starting line-up after coming on as a second-half substitute following a shoulder injury.

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