Gary Hamilton nearing fitness

As boss Marty Quinn told the ‘MAIL,’ the former Northern Ireland international is ahead of schedule in his return to fitness and could even pull on a blue shirt in the next few weeks.

“Gary’s coming on very well actually,” said Quinn.

“We were targeting early November but we’re starting to think it will be a week or two before that. Maybe he’ll get back late this month.

“He’s taken part in a couple of our 11-a-side games in training and has been working very hard. Gary Heasley and the staff have been working flat out on him and Gary’s been applying himself 100%. He’s very professional and he’s busting to get back. He’s shown a great attitude and hunger to play.”

And the gaffer is keen to get Hamilton into the starting line-up as soon as possible rather than letting him get back to match fitness with the reserve team:

“Gary’s a very experienced player and he might be able to slot straight into the team. We’ll see how he goes nearer the time. A player of Hamilton’s quality is always going to be knocking on the door for a first team place.”