LIAM Hearn's recovery from injury remains on schedule – despite a "slight set-back" for the Grimsby Town striker.
After suffering a ruptured Achilles in August, the forward has been working with physio Dave Moore to achieve a return to action before the end of the campaign.
However, Mariners joint boss Rob Scott has revealed that last season's top scorer was forced to ease off slightly.
He said: "Liam had a little set-back but he's pushed on again and is still on schedule. He just had a bit of a reaction which happens after an operation like he's had.
"With any sort of repair that you've had done surgically, you always likely to hit a point where you stop going forwards and you stand still.
"He's been pushing himself really hard with Dave Moore in the gym, working on his rehab, and it flared up a bit which is normal.
"He was a bit sore but that swelling seems to have subsided now. We're still looking at him being a couple of months away.
Hearn also remains satisfied with his recovery and rehab.
"It's going really well – Dave has put a good recovery regime in place," the hitman commented.
"My next progression is stretching the Achilles and starting to look at strengthening it, which will be a big progression.
"I've spoken to other lads who have done the same thing and they are all well behind me in their recovery, so I'm quite advanced and that's all credit to Dave.
"He works with me every day, putting me through my paces, and I feel in great shape.
"I'm itching to get back, and it's going to be so frustrating watching from the sidelines during those important games over Christmas.
"Hopefully the lads will be in a good position when I do come back so I can help them win promotion."
