Nicky Maynard played 75 mins against Exeter City in a private reserve team game today at the Vale Resort reports the Echo.
The striker has missed most of the season with a knee ligament injury and is targetting next season for a full return but he is progressing well and could feature in the final game of the season.
Speaking ahead of today's game Malky Mackay spoke about Maynard.
“Nicky has done really well and is ahead of schedule,” said Mackay. “He will only play if he is absolutely ready, but there may yet be something for him in our final match at Hull. We will look at that.
“He would not be picked for sentimental reasons and only if medically and fitness-wise there is a big tick. But the confidence he will gain knowing there could be a shot for him is vast.
“An injury like that is mentally a devastating blow for a player. During afternoons when everybody else has gone home, it’s pouring with rain in mid-December and you are a fair way from fitness, is a tough time.
“Players can be in the gym alone doing exercises on a leg. People don’t see those tough times when self doubt can creep in.
“But Nicky has been great. He has had a lot of support from our staff and to see him back out on the training ground has been brilliant.”