Crewe defender Billy Jones believes he will be ready for action for the Railwaymen's clash with play-off chasing Southend on April 5.The 24-year-old has been recovering from an ankle injury and has not featured for the Railwaymen since the 1-1 draw against Huddersfield on Boxing Day.

His return would be a welcome relief for manager Steve Holland, with injuries to two of his defenders - Julien Baudet and Chris McCready.

"Everything's going fine at the moment," Jones told BBC Radio Stoke. "I've pencilled in the Southend game on April 5th as my comeback game.

"Hopefully I can get a few reserve games under my belt and I'll be ready to come back into the first-team."

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