Injured Crewe goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson is confident he is on the fast track to recovery and closing in on a return to first-team action.

The 23-year-old, who has made 17 appearances for the Railwaymen, suffered a knee cruciate ligament injury whilst on loan at Burton last season.

He was awarded a new one-year contract in the summer and is hoping for a speedy return to action to challenge new arrivals Steve Collis and Adam Legzdins for the number one spot.

He told the club's official website: "Things are going really well. It has been about three months since my second operation and I am ahead of schedule.

"The movement is good and I have been diving and kicking the football. I feel quite strong and steady on it.

"It is usually between six and nine months to get back but I am pretty sure I will be back before six months to be honest. I am hoping so anyway."