JORDAN Gibson is poised to get his stop-start season back up and running.

The City winger has not featured since the Leasing.com Trophy tie at Bolton at the beginning of September.

But he came through another 60 minutes in another behind-closed-doors friendly yesterday – his second game in a week.

Gary Bowyer is hopeful Gibson, who had started four games in the opening month, can now put his nagging calf issues behind him.

The City boss said: “It’s good to see Jordan get some more time under his belt.

“The whole injury has been frustrating for him and for us and it’s taken a lot longer than we thought.

“During his recovery, he had a setback in it but now he’s featured in two games and he’s going the right way.

“Whether he will be ready to be involved on Saturday, we’ll see how he recovers this week.

“A lot of the lads who have picked up injuries will have found it a tough time. So, to get back playing again is what drives them.

“Seeing him come back can only add more competition to the squad.”

Matty Palmer and Shay McCartan played for an hour as well, while Clayton Donaldson has been given the all clear to start training again as he recovers from toe surgery.

“Just seeing his smiling face and personality around the training ground has given everybody a lift,” added Bowyer.

“The unfortunate bit for us has been the length of time that these players have been out.

“But they are seeing light at the end of the tunnel which will give them a boost.”

City will continue to monitor Callum Cooke after his knock in the Plymouth game.