DION Pereira is ready to come back in from the cold.

The on-loan Luton winger has made only one stoppage-time sub appearance in the last three months.

But Mark Hughes insists he is close to returning to the City mix after working hard in training.

Pereira also caught the manager’s eye with his performance in this week’s behind-closed-doors game at Everton.

Hughes said: “Dion has been training really well and I thought he played well on Tuesday. He’s very much in my thoughts and he’s been unfortunate.

“There have been times when he’s been very close. Sometimes there’s been a straight choice from a number of players and he just missed out to Banksy (Scott Banks) last weekend.

“He’s training correctly, remaining positive and just waiting for his chance.

“We’ve started to pick up a few injuries which isn’t a huge concern because I think we’ve managed them really well throughout this season.

“All the guys out the matchday squad at the moment have just got to be ready. I was encouraged by Tuesday's game.

“I thought every one of them looked really sharp and engaged. It gives me a lot of comfort when I see that.”