Marcus Bent is on course for a return to action just before Christmas after his recent operation on his groin problem. The striker last played for Town in the 3-1 loss at Reading.

The Christmas period has traditionally been a time when Bent scores most of his goals, last year notching seven goals from Boxing Day to the end of January. A look at previous Bent seasons reveals a similar scoring pattern.

Currently the much-travelled Londoner is undergoing manipulation work on the injured tendon. In three or four weeks he should be in full training and then in competition for a place in the side.

Fellow striker Alun Armstrong's injury from Sunday's game with Watford has been diagnosed as nothing more than bad cramp and he won't be kept out of Saturday's match against Coventry.

Photo: Action Images

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