Town defender Chris Makin has had an injection into a nerve in order to help him back to action after his hip and thigh injury.

The former Oldham player saw a specialist earlier this week after his progress stalled.

Town boss Joe Royle has been working with his squad on team defending this week in a bid to reduce the number of goals conceded.

The return of experienced players like Makin and John McGreal, who completed another reserve game on Wednesday, will help Royle to improve his side's defensive record.

The Town boss says that his defence's performance will be the major factor in the Blues' promotion push: "It's there in black and white. Our season from here on in will be decided by how well we defend."

Striker Pablo Couñago has returned to Spain while he recovers from his hamstring injury. Couñago is likely to be out for up to four weeks.

Photo: Action Images

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