Birmingham City midfielder David Dunn looks close to a return to action after spending seven months on the sidelines with hamstring problems.
Dunn has returned to training after finally being given the go ahead by a specialist following an operation in February. Birmingham boss Steve Bruce is hoping Dunn can feature in a reserve match next week as he continues his rehabilitation.
Bruce believes Dunn's return will provide a lift for the entire club and said: "The fact that Dunny is back and got the all clear to resume full training last week gave everyone a lift and a buzz. We are looking forward to his return.
"If you look at the statistics, regarding when he is in the team and when he is not in the team, then you will see exactly what a big player he is for us.
"All the Birmingham fans know how vital he is. In that first six months he was here, we were in the top six of the Premier League and played some of our best stuff since being promoted."
Bruce added: "He is a big, big player for us and it will be like having a new player when he returns. We need to have that bit of luck if we are going to be successful in hoping that Dunny, Emile Heskey, Mikael Forssell, Muzzy Izzet and Stan Lazaridis all stay physically fit.
"We are looking to see if Dunny can play on Monday week when we play West Brom in the reserves. He has got another week or so of serious training and we hope he will be ready after that. I don't think he could be in better shape."
