Grant handed Alex chance

Dario Gradi is running the rule over former Burnley midfield terrier Tony Grant.

Crewe Alexandra have revealed that midfielder Tony Grant is currently training at Gresty Road.

The former Burnley man has been maintaining his fitness levels following his release from Turf Moor during the summer.

It is presently unclear whether or not Grant will be offered a permanent deal by manager Dario Gradi, although the Alex boss did hint that signing the 30-year-old would probably not sit well with club tradition.

"Tony has been training with us for a few weeks now and will play for the reserves," he confirmed.

"He is a super footballer but we will have to see if he will add to our midfield at the moment.

"We know he can play at this level and that he is composed in his play and would keep the ball, but this club has been based on developing our own young players, so we will have to wait and see."

It would appear, however, with Kenny Lunt firmly established as the anchor man in the Railwaymen's midfield, Grant will have to pull out all the stops if he is to win a full-time contract.