STUART McCall will not make a hasty call on James Meredith as he puts his faith in Matt Kilgallon as City's left back.

Kilgallon has deputised for the last two games after Meredith suffered a lower-leg injury against Oxford.

The Australian had wanted to return for the Sheffield United clash but still felt some discomfort when he tried running.

McCall hopes Meredith will be fine to join in training with the squad tomorrow after a couple of days of solo work testing the leg with physio Chris Royston.

But with Kilgallon slotting in effectively in Meredith's absence, the City boss will not take any chances.

"You want someone to be almost fully fit before they come back in (to full training), not a little bit tentative," said McCall.

"Mez needs to get used to running on the ankle joint again, as it's still a little bit stiff. He's working with Chris with his mobility.

"It was always going to be two to three weeks after the scan result. Mez was pushing to be involved last week because he had no pain walking but it's not the same when he started to run."

Meredith's attacking prowess has been an effective outlet during City's season so far – but Kilgallon, who is naturally more comfortable at centre half, still got forward to have a hand in two of the goals last weekend.

McCall said: "Killa is a totally different footballer. He isn't a marauding left back who is going to get to the dead-ball line all the time and put lots of crosses in.

"But he will get up the pitch. He is just more calculated; he won't be there every time like Mezza."

The experienced former Leeds defender only joined City in the week leading up to the start of the season. He spent his first couple of months at the club getting up to pace with his new team-mates.

McCall said: "We lost three centre halves in the summer, as well as the young boy (Greg) Leigh. It was more a case of if we could get someone in who could cover both left back and left centre half.

"As much as Killa would like to play in the middle, he played a few times at left back for Blackburn in the Championship last season.

"It's difficult when you've been out for so long to hit the ground running but I think he is doing a good job."

Tony McMahon is unlikely to be in the reckoning for City's weekend trip to sixth-placed Wimbledon.

McMahon is back training again after the torn calf which has ruled him out of the last 13 games.

McCall said: "Tony was in good form before the injury but he's been out for nine weeks – that's like missing a whole summer.

"He trained with us before but then it went again – but now he feels a lot better in himself.

"Tony was a bit tentative last time but he's done everything correctly to get back with us.

"He'll want to get involved again but he's going to need some training under his belt.

"He's a good character to have around. He's been to most away games and is always in the dressing room encouraging the lads.

"It will be good to have him back in consideration in the coming weeks."