STEVE Davies will finally link up with his new City team-mates for training today with an eye on a run-out at Valley Parade next weekend.

The former Blackpool and Derby striker is set to join in with the rest of the squad this morning as they return to Apperley Bridge following the Scotland trip.

Davies worked alone on his fitness with physio Matt Barrass during their time away in Bishopton to get up to speed with the rest.

He is the only summer signing yet to feature in pre-season but City hope that will end on Saturday against Carlisle.

Assistant boss Steve Parkin said: “Davo had a very good week so he’s back in training. His Achilles was a bit of a worry but it’s settled down nicely.

“Matty’s been really pleased with his progress on Thursday and Friday so he feels he’s ready.

“As long as he has a decent week, I’d imagine he’ll be ready to play some part next weekend. It might only be a cameo 20 minutes but he should be okay to play a little bit.

“I think Davo has got to know the lads while we’ve been away, he’s a good character and a funny lad. He’ll definitely be a plus for us.

“We know all about his quality and I think he will be a great addition to an already decent squad.

“The combination of the other strikers we’ve got with Davo to come in could be a really good four. It’s shaping up nicely.”

Winger Mark Marshall made his first appearance when he came on for the last half hour of Saturday’s 1-0 win at St Mirren. Billy Clarke extended City’s perfect start to pre-season with the only goal.

Parkin added: “We’ve been really happy with the way the new players have settled in. We’ve got some extra work into Marshy (Mark Marshall) which was important.

“He looked reasonably sharp when he came on. He’s not ready for a full game yet by any means but he’s getting there.

“We were playing against a team who were young and fit and seemed to have some decent footballers.

“The pitch was fantastic and the tempo was played at the right pace. It wasn’t a summer stroll by any means.”

Parkin believes City are making progress in their centre-half pursuit and hopes to have one in place in the coming days. Scottish defender Steve Saunders became the third different trialist to play the position in the three friendlies.

The City number two said: “There’s an offer in for one player and there are a couple of other lines of inquiry that the gaffer is following up. I would imagine early this week someone would hopefully be coming in.

“It’s not worked out in terms of getting somebody up to Scotland so the reason we had a look at some of the other lads was because it was the ideal time to do it.

“This week gets a little bit more serious and nearer the kick-off.

“We’ve got a great game tomorrow night at Guiseley and a sterner test. It is time to get one in but he is trying his best.”