TOWN physio Lee Martin hopes American wingman John Thorrington will be back in full training next week.
The 24-year-old ex-Manchester United player had surgery on his left ankle earlier this season and felt pain in the joint during last week's friendly at Harrogate Town.
That was a big setback, because Thorrington had looked ready to stake his claim for a regular berth after appearing as a substitute in the fine 3-1 win over then-Division III leaders Hull at the McAlpine three weeks ago.
He came off 57 minutes into the Harrogate match and later limped out of the Wetherby Road ground.
"We had to allow time for the swelling to settle down, but John has now been back to see the specialist who carried out his operation, and he has diagnosed bruising around the joint rather than anything more serious," explained Martin.
"John is able to so some running and gym work at the moment and the plan is to have him back in full training next week."
While Wednesday's home Reserve clash with Walsall (2.00) will come too early, Thorrington will target the Pontins Holiday League Premier Division clash with Sheffield Wednesday at the McAlpine on Monday, December 15 (2.00).
That could put him in line for a Christmas schedule which brings current Division III leaders Oxford to the McAlpine on Saturday, December 20.
Town go to Darlington on Boxing day and host Bury on Sunday 28.
Thorrington is one of five Town players due to appear at tonight's Patrons meeting (8.00).
Also answering questions at the McAlpine will be Efe Sodje, Lee Fowler, Phil Senior and Andy Holdsworth, who yesterday agreed a new contract through to the summer of 2006.
Town's FA Cup conquerors Accrington Stanley have terminated the contract of striker Justin Jackson just two days before their second-round tie at Bournemouth.
The former Doncaster player has been released for disciplinary reasons less than two months after moving from Belle Vue.
The 28-year-old has repeatedly missed training and matches.
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