Midfielder Owen Garvan played 45 minutes of a reserves friendly with Colchester at Playford Road on Wednesday as he continues his recovery from the post-viral syndrome which has kept him out of action so far this season. The Blues defeated Colchester 1-0 with Jordan Rhodes scoring the goal.

Boss Jim Magilton told the club site that Garvan is making unexpectedly good progress: "Owen surprised us by playing a half for the reserves and did OK.

"We weren't expecting him to play but he wanted a game, so we threw him on and he looked pretty good.

"It's another stepping stone in his recovery, but it's still a case of taking it one day at a time with him."

Photo: Action Images

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