STEVE Bruce remains hopeful he will be handed a timely boost for the final weeks of the season as Matty Fryatt continues to make good progress in training.
The 27-year-old, who has not featured all season after Achilles surgery, has been back running and remains on course to resume full training during next week's international break.
Bruce is keen to strike a balance between not rushing Fryatt back too early and giving himself an extra attacking option in the season's finale.
It means last season's top scorer's every step is under the close surveillance of City's medical staff but, at present, they are happy with his progress.
"Matty is fine, touch wood. He has done everything on the rehabilitation side up to now and hopefully he will be able to join in training at the back end of next week," Bruce said. "He is ok mentally and has handled it well.
"It will be big news for us as he has been out since the start of the season, and now we are without Sone Aluko, who's been arguably the best player in the league.
"Just at the right time players have come to the fore. Jay Simpson has, and Gedo has had a great start and given everybody a lift."
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