DAVID WAGNER has hailed Joel Lynch’s return to training as he looks towards a key home double for Huddersfield Town.

After the trip to Birmingham City come John Smith’s Stadium showdowns with Bristol City (Saturday, December 12) and Rotherham United (Tuesday 15).

While midfielder Phil Billing (ankle) remains at least a couple of weeks away from consideration, centre-back Lynch has progressed well.

The 28-year-old was an ever-present until a suspension for five bookings coincided with a hamstring problem, and he will miss a fourth game at Birmingham.

“Having Lynchy back in full training is excellent news,” said Wagner, who has played skipper Mark Hudson and versatile Martin Cranie in the centre of his defence,

“If all goes as we hope, we will have a full week to work with him before an important spell of two matches in four days.

“We are approaching a busy stage of the season and I want to have as many players available to me as possible.

“I am not a coach who has a fixed 11 for every match. I am happy to rotate players, especially at busy times.

“And modern football is a 14 rather than 11-man game because substitutes have an important role to play.”