Left-back Ben Thatcher is back in training after his torn thigh muscle and is two weeks ahead of schedule. The summer signing from Charlton picked up the injury during the Carling Cup tie with Wigan.

Physio Matt Byard told the club site: "Ben has been very professional during his rehabilitation. He has done all the things we have asked of him and more and has made a terrific recovery.

"He is two weeks ahead of schedule in his progress and we are delighted with him. He has trained for the first time today and reported no ill effects.

"He is obviously short on fitness because he has been out for a month and we will need to get some more training in him, but he's not far away now."

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