Video: James Wesolowski is poised to step up comeback

And delighted manager Micky Mellon insists the midfield ballwinner has improved his team-mates with his tigerish tackling in training.

Wesolowski, 27, is slightly ahead of Nathaniel Knight-Percival as both players look to return from damaged cruciate knee ligaments, and is now closing in on a competitive return to action after suffering the injury in January.

"We're trying to play the youth team today – we'll try to get it so it's three half hours in a game situation to start getting him back involved," said Mellon.

"Weso is certainly getting very close to being available. I had a chat with him on Monday and he just wants a game. He's ahead of Nat.

"If he comes through that, I'll have a conversation with him and the medical people and ask him if he fancies a go and he'll have the final say on it."

The Aussie will add to the competition in central midfield and compete with Ryan Woods, Martin Woods and Abu Ogogo.

Mellon believes his availability will provide Town with a major tonic.

"It will be a huge boost because he's a really good player," said the boss.

"I'm more happy for him because he's such a great guy who loves his football.

"He's a ferocious trainer. People talk about getting made better by the opposition, but our players are getting made better here by him.

"If you're not good enough, he wallops you!

"He's improved Ryan Woods probably more than anyone else because if you dwell on the ball, you'll get six studs down your shin."

Centre-back Dominic Smith (ankle) is fit again but second-choice keeper Mark Halstead (knee) is still not right.

"Dom's training and if there was a game that suited him, he'd play now," said Mellon.

"Mark's coming along but he doesn't feel confident enough to play."