Bryan Robson is buoyed by the news that Rob Hulse, Paddy Kenny and Derek Geary are almost ready to challenge for first team places.

The trio have been battling back from injuries recently and have been involved in first team training sessions.

"Derek and Paddy both trained on Thursday morning and are getting close and, although we are not putting any pressure on Rob, he is looking good.

"Rob is a very good player and we are getting excited about him getting close because he's an asset to the club. He's training well and is nearing a reserve game."

Hulse has been out since March with a broken leg, Geary underwent knee surgery last month and Kenny has not played since picking up a shin injury against Leicester last month.