Striker Alun Armstrong is close to a return to action after his thigh strain. Armstrong's recent loan spell with Bradford ended last week with the administration-hit Bantams unable to afford to pay even a small proportion of his wages.

Town boss Joe Royle told the club site that once fit the former Boro and Stockport man will come into his plans: "Alun is back with us now and closing in on a return to fitness and will then come under consideration for the first-team here."

There is also good news regarding Chris Makin who is due to see a specialist later this week about his hip problem. Royle says: "Chris trained with the first-team on Tuesday and it went well.

"It's encouraging but he will still go and see the specialist."

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