Omar Daley’s much-anticipated comeback has been put on hold – because of City’s youth team.

The Jamaican was ready to put nine months of injury hell behind him at Valley Parade next week with an outing in the reserves.

But the late wash-out of the club’s FA Youth Cup tie on Tuesday night has thrown a spanner in the works.

The second-round clash against Crewe has now been rescheduled for next Wednesday to fit in with the competition deadline.

And with City also facing a midweek League Two trip to Grimsby, the second-string game at home to Rotherham has had to make way.

It is an unexpected head-ache for Stuart McCall, who had also planned to give Peter Thorne some much-needed action following his hamstring trouble.

Daley will be more frustrated as he waits to play again for the first time since shattering knee ligaments in a challenge with Darlington defender Neil Austin in February.

The winger, who was named in the PFA divisional team of the season, has been back in full training for nearly three weeks.

McCall said: “It’s been a long road for Omar but he’s kept his chin up and worked hard. He’s also stayed mentally strong.

“He obviously will still need lots of football to get rid of the rustiness but he’s fully confident in his knee, which is important.

“When you’re first back after such a serious injury, it’s natural to start running with a limp because you think the pain is still there but he’s gradually losing that with each day.

“You can see he’s really excited to be training again. The only problem is that pitches are getting heavier with the winter weather.

“It’s hard for wingers to create things on boggy and heavy parks but Omar’s done all his strength work and everything is going to plan.”

Reserve games permitting, Daley should be on call for the Christmas rush. And McCall is confident he will return as quick as ever.

The City boss added: “We certainly hope so.

“Sometimes you don’t regain your top speed with an Achilles or ankle injury but a knee won’t be a problem.

“I remember Omar telling me the day after his injury that he would come back to us faster and stronger. If that’s the case, we’ll be putting him in for the next Olympics!”