Lomas on comeback trail

The Northern Ireland international, who is yet to play a game this season after two operations on the injury, was expected to be sidelined until Christmas but after a sooner-than-expected recovery will step up his rehabilitation with a few outings for the Reserves side in the hope of returning to first team action within the next few weeks.

"I don't see why by the end of the month he shouldn't be in contention," said caretaker boss Trevor Brooking.