Manu Lanzini is making good progress and showing an “outstanding attitude” as he bids to ensure he makes a much needed Irons return before the end of the season.

The midfielder is three months into a six month rehab programme before he is expected to start some light jogging and running soon after Christmas.

And ClaretandHugh was told this morning: “Given the terrible injury there were even doubts as to whether he would play again – now we are discussing whether he will be back before the end of the season!

“And given his amazing attitude and progress there is no doubt about that and if you were an optimist you might expect him to be back in action – firstly for the under 23s – early next year.

“There was a lot of ligament damage and that is mending but he is in the gym  pumping iron and keeping himself fit.

Manu has a really great attitude and doing everything he is told and  there’s no reason at this point why he shouldn’t his his target of playing again this season.”