Midfielder Owen Garvan is close to a return after missing the Christmas fixtures with various illnesses. The Irishman was struck down by the winter vomiting bug and then suffered a throat infection.

Physio Matt Byard told the club site: "It hit Owen pretty hard to be honest and he felt below par for about a week.

"He had the bug and then a throat virus and he's lost a bit of weight. Like anyone, it's going to take time to get back to peak fitness.

"He did some light work at the end of last week and has stepped it up this week with a double session on Monday and again today.

"We are looking at him joining in with full training later in the week and that will give us a guide to where we are with him for the weekend."

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