TONY McMahon could be back in City’s plans by the end of the month.

A scan has revealed a four-centimetre tear in his hamstring – not as bad as had first been feared when he hobbled off at MK Dons on Saturday.

And Stuart McCall believes the influential right back might have a chance of returning at Portsmouth on October 28.

McCall said this morning: “There’s a possibility he could be back for then. It’s a low-grade two tear which is usually anything between two to four weeks.

“It’s softened the blow. We’ll see how he goes in the next couple of weeks but knowing Tony, he’ll be aiming for the Portsmouth trip.”

Timothee Dieng played an hour in last night’s private friendly at Guiseley – his first involvement since mid-August. Lachlan Barr and Omari Patrick scored in a 3-2 defeat.

Shay McCartan will return to full training today, leaving McMahon as the only outfield player currently unavailable.