Jordan Jones is ready to return for Carlisle United this weekend but Harrison Biggins’ comeback will take a little longer.
Head coach Mike Williamson said midfielder Biggins, who is recovering from a calf injury, will be back in full training next week.
That rules him out of the visit of high-flying Crewe Alexandra to Brunton Park on Saturday.
But Williamson and the Blues are boosted by Jones’ return, the Blues boss confirming that the winger is expected to be available for selection this weekend after nearly two months out with a calf problem.
Jones has been limited to just six appearances since his move to United in August and Williamson hopes the ex-Wigan Athletic, Sunderland and Rangers man can have a big influence on the team’s fortunes.
“He's trained very well. It's just like he hasn't been away,” said Williamson of Jones.
“He’s got that air of confidence and quality about him. I don't really kind of listen to his feedback on how he feels because he wants to start every game and every minute and we've got to put the reins on him a little bit in that respect.
“But he's trained really well. We've got to be careful with him so we can't just throw him in too quickly, but we’re excited to have him back.
"I think [he can have a big role] short, medium and long term. I think he's got that quality. He's played at a level that suggests that, and speaking to him and watching him train and how engaging he is and how much he wants to drive the boy, I would say that he's still very much got a lot to give football.
"So we're extremely fortunate to have him, we've just got to make sure we get him on the pitch as much as possible."
On midfielder Biggins, the Blues boss added: “In the last couple of days he's had a really marked improvement so he’s just got to basically tick all the boxes this week and hopefully he’ll be fully back in training [next week].
“He hasn't missed too much so I don't think he'll be affected that greatly.
“But as soon as he can get back to striking and sprinting, changing direction, he'll be back in training next week.”
The United boss added that the fit-again pair of Georgie Kelly and Dylan McGeouch have had another full week’s training after their recent return to action.
And Callum Guy is also fit to face Crewe having shown no ill effects from the knock he sustained in last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Doncaster Rovers.
Ben Barclay returns from suspension against the Railwaymen as fellow defender Jon Mellish serves a one-match ban.
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