United manager Simon Grayson is considering his options ahead of Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy Area Semi-Final clash with Accrington Stanley.

While Paddy Kisnorbo returned to the starting line-up after injury at Brentford on Saturday, club captain Richard Naylor also returned to the bench.

"On Saturday, Paddy was his usual calculated self and there were no hesitations about throwing him back in," said the boss.

"We felt it was too quickly to put both Richard and Paddy in, but it's nice that we are getting back in that position again with players back to full fitness."

Bradley Johnson and Shane Higgs are also edging ever closer and the manager has some food for thought for the visit of Accrington.

"On Monday there was hardly anyone in the physio room which is a good sign," said the boss.

"Players are still short on match fitness, but they are slowly coming back in terms of general fitness which is good.

"There's a few in my thoughts, We can't rush players back, but it might be that we make one or two decisions after we've looked at different permutations.

"It's about getting that right balance between putting them back in or giving them a few more days."

Another player who could return is Sam Vokes after the loan striker sat out the weekend game at Brentford while Robert Snodgrass is available again after suspension.

"Sam's done well for us but we have six loan players and you can only have five in there," added the manager.

"Sam understands that ans will be involved in the next two games."