Phillips being sidelined since April with shoulder injury.

Crewe Alexandra keeper Steve Phillips is back in full training.

Phillips missed all summer after undergoing surgery on both shoulders, but is now back in action with the youth team at Reaseheath.

"Steve wanted to start with the youth team but I`m waiting for him to say any day now I`m ready for you," manager Dario Gradi told BBC Radio Stoke.

The 32-year-old signed a permanent two year deal in July after being on loan from Bristol Rovers last season.

Phillips will need to replace the Chelsea on loan keeper Rhys Taylor to regain his place back in the team.

Taylor has impressed with his performances since being recommended to Crewe by former manager Steve Holland, and he is now on a season-long loan at the League Two club.

The Alex have decided to extend the contract of reserve team keeper Bartek Fogler as cover while Phillips continues to get match fit.

The Polish custodian, who is yet to make an appearance for the club, will stay at Gresty Road until at least the end of October.

Dario Gradi is keen to have the back-up of Fogler on hand.

"Bart came here as a reserve goalkeeper and he was happy with that. We will extend his stay with us for another month because we are still waiting for Steve (Phillips).

"It isn't fair to rely on young Ben Garratt to be on the bench for the first-team because he needs to be playing. He is a brave young lad and I don't want him to go on in an emergency and get himself injured at this stage of his career."

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