Tom Kearney's four-month injury nightmare is nearly over.

Kearney is a week away from making a comeback in the reserves. And he could be pencilled in for the trip to Peterborough in 11 days' time.

The midfielder is back in training after recovering from a double hernia operation and ready to return for the final ten games of City's bid to make the League One play-offs.

City boss Colin Todd said: "The Huddersfield match will come a bit too soon but we certainly could be looking at Peterborough.

"Even if it's an opportunity on the bench that day, it will still be a big plus.

"He is training well and looked good in a little practice game we had yesterday. He has still got good habits which you would expect and was pushing forward which was something he didn't do when I first arrived.

"The one thing with Tom is that you know he can get the ball and pass it quickly. If he is making the forward runs as well then that just adds to his game."

It has been a long road back for Kearney, who last kicked a ball competitively in the FA Cup exit against Rushden in November.

At first, the injury was thought to be a groin strain and was expected to clear up quickly. But the pain refused to go away and a hospital scan later confirmed that he was laid up with a hernia.

Todd added: "That's what has made it so difficult because nobody could recognise what the problem was. Once Tom knew it was a hernia, he knew that something was going to be done about it.

"He has been out such a long time but he's a very fit lad and he won't have lost any of that fitness. He has stayed focused and having him back lifts everyone.

"I've told him to get ready for the reserve game against Wigan next week and then hopefully he'll be ready for Peterborough."

On-loan Manchester United defender Paul Tierney, out since the Sheffield Wednesday win with a hamstring strain, is also on course for the Posh game.

He has been back at Old Trafford for treatment but hopes to be working with City again later in the week.

And another long-term casualty, Darren Holloway, is hoping to get the green light to return to the training ground shortly.

Todd relishes the extra competition for places as the campaign reaches its climax.

"At the time of the season the more people we can get fit, the better it is for us all."

l Don't miss tomorrow's On Parade - in its new Wednesday slot - which includes an interview with Craig Armstrong