David Artell has revealed that the club’s long-term absentees, George Ray, Ryan Wintle and James Jones remain on course to feature in some part for the Under-23s at Hull on Monday.

The trio have all successfully returned to running out on grass and have been able to join in with some football.

Ray (fractured back) and Jones (pelvic) have not kicked a ball this season and Wintle (fractured tibia) has not played since September.

It will be a welcome boost for Artell and his squad as we enter the second half of the campaign.

Artell told us: “They are all on course to play some part for the 23s at Hull on Monday. They will play just the right amount of time, to get them back out on football pitch more than anything, “Artell said.

“They are all on track and we will see how they go. Once we what where they are, we will know a bit more about what we need to do.

“We will have more of an idea over the next couple of weeks.”