GARY ROBERTS is in total control of his big Town comeback.
Manager Lee Clark says the 27-year-old wingman is making excellent progress in his recovery from a double hernia operation and will be available sooner rather than later.
Roberts had the surgery 15 days ago and could be ready to return next week.
If the Sheffield United match next Tuesday comes too early for him, then he’s got a further 10 days to be ready and raring to face Exeter City at the Galpharm.
Either way, Clark is positive Roberts will soon be available for his 150th start for the club since signing from Ipswich, where he was a teammate of both Alan Lee and Jordan Rhodes.
“Robbo is doing unbelievably well and we just take it day by day,” said Clark.
“Everything depends on how Gary feels following the previous day’s work.
“He is working under the guidance of our fitness coach, Tom Little, and everything so far indicates he will be back in the short term rather than the long term.
“We were originally talking in terms of three to six weeks, so we are now looking at three to four weeks and that’s fantastic.”
Seven-goal Roberts made his last appearance in the 3-2 home win against Brentford and has watched the successive 1-1 draws against Tranmere Rovers and MK Dons.
“Gary has been doing lots of good things under Tom’s supervision and we’re looking this week at him maybe kicking a ball again and perhaps joining in with the main group on one or two things,” added Clark.
“We can only make those decisions day by day, though, when we know how Gary is feeling and what he reports.
“He is doing a few more different things all the time and so far it has gone well. It is all down to how Gary reacts and he is in control of things every step of the way.”
Club captain Peter Clarke yesterday had the same double hernia operation and is expected to miss three or four matches.
