Peter Atherton is back in training with City.

The defender, out since mid-August with a broken ankle, is stepping up his recovery on the practice ground.

And he should be ready for a reserves run-out later next month at Rotherham.

Colin Todd is hoping that Wayne Jacobs will also be fit around the same time as he recuperates from knee surgery.

Todd said: "I would say it will be about three weeks for the pair of them. Then they'll be ready for a game in the reserves and back in the first-team frame before the busy Christmas period.

"It will be a good boost for us having them back together. It's tight for us at the moment when you're down to only 16 players. We've lost Nicky Summerbee and Tom Penford as well.

"But it's not something I dwell on because we've been used to it from day one."

Atherton came off the bench on the opening day at Hartlepool and again the following week in the 2-0 win over Doncaster. But he shattered ankle ligaments against Barnsley reserves when his studs caught in the turf.

Todd added: "Peter's making good progress although it is still slow. But he is training with us now and will aim to step it up until he can start playing games again."

The next reserve game on November 10 make come too soon. It is more likely Atherton could be pitched in at Millmoor a fortnight later.

Meanwhile, City will hand over the whole of the Midland Road stand for away fans for the Yorkshire derbies against Huddersfield and Hull later in the season.

Chief safety officer Chris Patzelt confirmed that the club are writing to the 800 Midland Road season-ticket holders and asking them to relocate to seats elsewhere in the ground for the two games.