Defender Ben Parker has taken his first steps on the road after undergoing hip surgery.

Ben, who hasn't featured since the opening day of the season, is in the early stages of his recovery and has started running again at Thorp Arch.

United manager Simon Grayson confirmed: "Ben is running, but he's in the very early stages of his recovery.

"It's been a frustrating time for him, but he's on the first steps now and hopefully he will make steady progress."

Since Ben suffered injury against Exeter City on the opening day of the season, Andrew Hughes has taken over the left-back spot.

Hughesy also suffered an injury against Leyton Orient at Elland Road, and Grayson moved quickly to sign experienced defender Tony Capaldi on loan from Cardiff City.