RYAN Colclough intends to pay back Crewe Alexandra.

After being cleared of an alleged race attack, the 19-year-old striker is looking to put his nightmare year behind him.

Injuries have also played their part but now back in training, Colclough has a clear goal.

“I’ve had a hard 10 months with injuries and off-the-field stuff,” he explained. “I was really low at times.

“After being happy and enjoying my football at the start of last season, being out for so long really got me down.

“So I’m just glad to be back training and kicking balls. It’d mean the world to get back into the team.

“The club has supported me massively and I’ve needed that at times. It was a serious matter but I feel it was made out to be more than it was.

“It has all been dealt with in the right way and now I can get on with my football and do myself, my family and the club proud.

“I have dreams and, when I get back to playing, I am sure I’ll be doing what I was doing before – if not even better. I have overcome my injury now and I will prove myself. It’s not a matter of if – I will.”

Colclough is expected to be back in the first-team picture by December if everything goes to plan.

Meanwhile Crewe are taking a look at Argentine defender Federico Bessone this week.

The 30-year-old former Swansea, Swindon and Espanyol player is looking for a club after being released by Millwall at the end of last season.

“He’s played in the Premier League and seems a decent guy so we thought we’d bring him in,” said boss Steve Davis.

The Alex will be without both Anthony Grant and George Ray for Saturday’s trip to Crawley.

Ray will miss the next three games after being sent off in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United.

Collecting five bookings also rules out Grant as Crewe look to get back to winning ways on the road.

On loan Alan Tate, who did not start against the Blades, is likely to return while Harry Davis could also figure after seven months out with a knee injury.

The Railwaymen face a quick return against Sheffield United after being drawn against them in the FA Cup first round.

The tie takes place at Gresty Road next Saturday.

“FA Cup day can spring up anything so it doesn’t matter who you draw,” added Davis. “They will sell out their end so it will be a good atmosphere.

“I think we’ve got the slight advantage because we’re at home and we know what to expect.”