STEPHEN Darby could make his City comeback in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday.

Darby and Rory McArdle both joined in with the ball work at training today – and Stuart McCall hinted the skipper might get some involvement against Stoke’s under-23 team.

McCall said: “It’s still early for them to be considered but we might look at Stephen getting part of the game on Tuesday. That will be good and will fit his timescale.

“(Matt) Kilgallon is back in the fold although Nathan Clarke is not there yet. But it’s all a lot more positive.”

James Hanson remains “touch and go” for the weekend clash with Oldham but Filipe Morais is expected to be fine after picking up a little strain at the end of the Coventry game.

With Tony McMahon out for up to a month, McCall has decided who will wear the skipper's armband on Saturday - but is waiting to tell the players.

He added: "Everyone is obsessed with the captaincy. I want 11 captains in the team."