Paul Green played 45 minutes for the club’s Under-23s at Nottingham Forest yesterday and it is a welcome boost to have the combative midfielder back on the pitch.

The midfielder, who has been sidelined with a knee injury following a collision with the Carlisle goalkeeper since August, played the first half of the game at Forest.

The 35-year-old midfielder remains ahead of schedule, but boss David Artell says they will be sensible in their approach to getting him back for first team action.

David Artell told the club’s official website: “We have to make sure Paul is 100% ready and we will listen to him because he knows his body better than anyone. He is very experienced and he will know how he feels.

“Mark (Cornish), the physio will offer his advice and opinion on it as well and he won’t be rushed back unnecessary.

“We also won’t hold him back if he wants to push on because we want him back as soon as we can. He will know better than anyone how far he is.”