Michael Boulding has handed City a timely fitness boost by shaking off his virus.

Boulding has missed the last couple of games after the long-standing illness – which is not swine flu – reared up again. But he has been able to train again this week and will come back into consideration for Saturday’s trip to Macclesfield.

The news will be a big lift for Stuart McCall, who is already without Peter Thorne, Simon Ramsden and long-term absentee Omar Daley against the Silkmen. In-form Midfielder Lee Bullock is also banned following his red card.

Boulding notched three goals in three games when Gareth Evans was out but the virus that had been troubling him earlier, struck again on the eve of the Dagenham game.

McCall said: “It’s been unfortunate for Michael because he thought the virus had gone away. But you could see when he played the third game in a week that the effects were maybe still there. Brando (Chris Brandon) had a similar illness a while ago.

“Boulders needs to get it out of his system completely but he’s feeling a lot, lot better and he will be all right for the weekend.”

Daley has also started training with the rest of the squad again after getting the medical all clear following his eight-month lay-off. But McCall warned he will need a while before he is up to competing in a game.

The City boss said: “He’s joining in with us but the players are under the instructions that nobody can crunch him.

“It’s just about regaining his confidence because it’s been so long. The lad is determined to come back but he is still a way off.”