Boss says injured three could be considered for U-23 fixture on Monday.

David Artell says it is encouraging to have his injured players heading back to fitness but he admits that they have a tough job on their hands to even secure a place on the substitutes’ bench.

Midfielders Billy Bingham and Tom Lowery and striker Callum Saunders are all making good progress and could play some part in Monday’s U-23 fixture against Sheffield Wednesday.

Bingham did receive a bang on his knee on his return to full training, but Artell says the former Dagenham man will be fine. Lowery has also had another injection in his problematic hip but could also be under consideration for game time against the Owls next week.

David Artell explained: “The three of them are all making good progress and they could all be under consideration for Monday.

“Billy got a knock on his knee but he should be okay. Callum is making progress and he is a step closer.

We want him to be right for the next three weeks, three months or three years, so we’ll look after him.  “Young Tom has had an injection in his hip and he’ll be fine. We are I no rush with him. He is young and a good player. He will have a good career, so we just want him to be right.

“He has tried to come back ahead of schedule a couple of times, because he is desperate to play but he has felt it. He is not quite there but he is getting better day-by-day.”