Jamie Ashdown is set to make his long-awaited comeback in Tuesday’s Development Squad game at Sheffield United (1pm).

The former Portsmouth goalkeeper has been sidelined since the end of last season with a foot injury.

“Jamie has been out for a long time and this is a chance for him to get a game in before the end of the season,” explained senior professional development coach Neil Redfearn.

“We might have a couple of friendlies yet before the season is out and this helps both him and us.”

Ashdown, who is out of contract at the end of the season, provides the only senior experience as another team of young professionals will bring their PDL2 North campaign to a close against the Blades.

“The league have produced some statistics which show we have used less senior professionals than any other team in our division,” said Redfearn. “That shows what we are looking to take from these games and that is encouraging.

“The lads have made huge strides this season and it’s important they look to continue that and finish the league season well on Tuesday.”

Development Squad v Sheffield United (from): Ashdown, Grimes, Booker, Skelton, Coker, Bryan, Coyle, Purver, Philips, Lenighan, Thompson, Lyman, Parkin, Cook, Mulhern, Walters.