CREWE will assess transfer-window target Harry Pickering's fitness ahead of Ipswich's visit to Gresty Road tomorrow (K.O 3pm).

Pickering has missed the Alex's last two games with a back problem as speculation has mounted over his future. Blackburn had an offer for the left-back turned down a fortnight ago and retain an interest in him.

Youngsters Rio Adebisi and Travis Johnson, who was standing in for Billy Jones, endured a tough evening as Crewe's 10-game unbeaten run came to an end at Gillingham on Tuesday night after a heavy (1-4) defeat.

But Pickering trained for the first time since his injury yesterday and there are hopes he can make a return to a back four which has been in a state of transition in recent weeks.

Jones, too, could be back after he was left out at Gillingham over concerns that he can manage to come through two games a week as the fixture list fills up.

Crewe's assistant manager Kenny Lunt cautioned: "Billy hasn't played that much football for a while so we've got to be careful with him. We can't expect him to play Saturday/Tuesday, Saturday/Tuesday.

"It was good experience for Travis, and he has played in the team when we've won and lost."

Ahead of the transfer window closing on Monday (February 1), Lunt says he wouldn't be surprised if the interest from other clubs wasn't just confined to defender Pickering.

"We've got three days left of the window and we'll see what happens. I'm sure there's interest in other players. With Harry moving on we'll have to see," said the assistant manager, who says the Gillingham defeat has offered an opportunity for the staff and players to reflect on their progress this term.

The stellar run of form had moved Crewe up to within a point of the play-off places and they are still only four points off sixth-placed Charlton.

Lunt said: "After losing 4-1 it was time for reflection so we can bounce back on Saturday.

"It is the best time to learn; when you go 10 games unbeaten the momentum gets you through. The run was going to end at some time, but we've reflected on it and gone through it.

"We've played everyone and we feel we're as good as everyone on any given day. Some of the draws we've had, like Rochdale (3-3), could have been wins. But overall we are performing at a good level and we won't get carried away.

"They're a good group of lads who are getting better. They have all seen Perry (Ng) go and I'm sure they all want to follow."

As well as Pickering, Crewe will check on how Mikael Mandron and Daniel Powell shape up in training.

Mandron hasn't started a game for a fortnight as Crewe have relied on veteran Chris Porter up front, while Powell last played on Boxing Day.