Port Vale striker Hector Sam hopes to press his case for a comeback today with his first serious match since breaking his ankle in August.
The 27-year-old is pencilled in to play in the reserve game at home to Notts County on the Vale Park training pitch (1.30pm). The Trinidad and Tobago international had hoped to make his return a month ago, but manager Martin Foyle has been careful not to rush him back into action and admits he is still concerned the striker hasn't fully shaken off the injury.
"Hector is playing," said Foyle. "It's a worrying one as I'm not 100 per cent convinced myself yet. But he is coming on and feels confident, so I have to take his word."
Sam, who joined Vale on a free after leaving Wrexham in the summer, only made three substitute appearances before breaking the ankle in the Carling Cup match at Rotherham on August 23.
The Valiants are keen to have him back in action to compete with Leon Constantine, Nathan Lowndes and Michael Husbands for a place in the forward line.
Sam still has an outside chance of making this summer's World Cup finals, but his comeback is too late for Trinidad's friendly against Iceland at Loftus Road next Tuesday, a game in which Chris Birchall is due to play.
However, Sam has 20 caps for his country and was a regular in the squad before his injury.
The striker's improvement is a lift for Foyle, whose side were unlucky to be beaten at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The result left them 12 points adrift of the play-offs and six away from the bottom four, and Foyle admitted the defeat has probably put paid to any promotion chances.
The Valiants hit the woodwork three times, but were sunk by goals from Kris Commons, on 40, and Nathan Tyson, on 94 minutes.