Ben Parker is set to return to action for the first time since April when he plays in a behind-closed-doors game at Thorp Arch on Thursday.

The young defender has been through an injury nightmare since first suffering a groin injury against Exeter on the opening day of last season, but he is now on the road to recovery.

While Ben is still some way off a senior return, manager Simon Grayson is delighted to see him returning to the pitch.

"Ben Parker will have some time in a game on Thursday," he said. 

"He's getting back. He's been doing some training with us and training with the kids. He's had a long time out and we can't rush him back.

"He's had some setbacks and we have to get him 100 per cent fit."

Grayson has also had a further injury boost with defender Paul Connolly resuming training, and a number of others pencilled in to return to the training ground on Monday.

"Paul Connolly will have a full week in training and we expect him to be back for Middlesbrough," said the boss.

"Bessone, McCormack, and Lloyd Sam should hopefully be back next Monday for a full week.

"Billy Paynter's scan revealed it wasn't the setback we maybe thought and he is with the physios.

"Shane Higgs will be out for a few weeks, and if Kasper is going to be another couple of weeks we'll look at that position."