Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland has cast doubt over striker Ryan Lowe's future at the club and admits "the ball is in his court".The 29-year-old spent the last month of the season on loan at League Two play-off winners Stockport after seeing his first-team opportunities limited with the Railwaymen during the last campaign.

And, after holding clear-the-air talks with the former Chester hitman, Holland revealed he would not stand in Lowe's way should he chose to leave Gresty Road during the close season.

"I have spoken to Ryan and I think we are both clear where we stand. He made it clear to me that at this stage of his career, he wants to play and I can understand that," Holland told the club's official website.

"He has been very professional about everything and all he wants to do is play football. I cannot guarantee him a first-team place here at this stage and his chances would become even more limited if we could land one or two targets.

"The ball is very much in his court but I am not looking to see the back of Ryan Lowe - far from it."

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