Club captain Chris Dagnall and James Jones have been out running again as they step up their rehabilitation.

Dagnall, 31, has been ruled out for the past three games after suffering a knee injury.

Jones has not featured this season after undergoing a hernia operation in the summer and then suffering a knee injury on his return to training.

Jones and Dagnall have been out running again this week and boss David Artell is hoping to have them back training with him within three weeks.

It would be a great boost for our attacking options with Dagnall scoring 17 goals last season and 7 this. Jones hit 11 goals from 50 appearances from midfield last season.

Ryan Wintle and Chris Porter both with ankle injuries are expected to be out for up to 5-6  weeks.