Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom says Republic of Ireland left back Robbie Brady is "progressing well" in his recovery from a long-standing calf injury as March's World Cup play-offs loom large.
Versatile veteran Brady had emerged as a key man for the Boys in Green in the latter part of Stephen Kenny's reign and into current manager Heimir Hallgrimsson's tenure.
However, the 33-year-old missed the entirety of Ireland's group campaign in the World Cup qualifiers during the autumn after suffering a calf injury.
With the World Cup play-off semi-final against Czechia on the horizon on 26 March, Brady may have a chance of being available for selection, with his club manager Heckingbottom issuing a positive update on the 72-cap international's road back to fitness.
"(Brady is) progressing well. He's probably getting held back for his own good by the medical team, because he's feeling great," the Preston manager told the Lancashire Evening Post on Thursday.
"I know he's frustrated, he wants to be out there. But at least he's running now, he's making good strides and I always remember that feeling when you're coming back from injuries. When you get out on the grass it's good and then all of a sudden you get bored of running; you want to get a ball."
Brady's potential return in the near future is a boost for Ireland after Hallgrimsson was dealt injury blows to key players over the festive period.
Midfielder Josh Cullen is ruled out for a "prolonged" period until the summer after the Burnley club captain suffered an ACL injury late last month, while Adam Idah is facing a "significant" spell on the sidelines after the Swansea City striker sustained a hamstring injury in training, leaving the Cork man in a race against time to be fit for the play-offs.
