GRIMSBY Town's bosses will remain patient as Scott Neilson continues his quest to reach full fitness.
Rob Scott and Paul Hurst admit the 26-year-old is still 'a little behind' his Mariners' team-mates following a hernia that ruled him out of the tail-end of last season.
Despite his lack of sharpness, the Londoner started the opening day draw with Aldershot, but was not included in the matchday squad at Gateshead on Tuesday.
The former Norwich trainee has been taking part in extra training sessions in order to get up to speed.
And, while Hurst acknowledged that the situation is not ideal, he said the co-managers are prepared to support Neilson as they know what he can bring to the team.
Ahead of this afternoon's trip to Welling (3pm), Hurst said: "We feel Scott's a little bit behind the others at the moment.
"Obviously he played in that first game, but it's one thing getting through the friendlies and then playing in a league game.
"In the heat of battle, we felt he was a bit short of fitness against Aldershot.
"It's understandable as, until that point, Scott hadn't played competitively since February.
"But he continues to train well and do a little bit extra – I'm sure he'll soon be up to speed."
Neilson returned to the Mariners on a permanent basis this summer following an impressive three- month loan spell last season.
The ex-Crawley Town man played a huge part, on and off the pitch, in helping Town to the Conference summit at Christmas.
"I think Scott's the type of player who has the potential to go onto the pitch and win you games through his style," Hurst added.
"But when he has picked up the ball up and done his trick, he's not quite getting away from people and that's the difference from a sharp, 100 per cent fit Scott Neilson.
"We'd love him to be fully match fit and playing at the levels that he did when he was on loan with us, but that's not to be at this moment.
"He's showing in training that he's getting there but the difference in training is that you tend to get that opportunity to have a breather.
"But it will come for Scott – we'll work with him and try to get him up to speed.
"Looking at his weight and other indicators, he's starting to get there and I'm sure he'll make a big contribution this season.
"We know what Scott has got in his locker and that will come through again as he plays games."
Hurst believes the current situation highlights why he and Scott were keen to build a strong squad for this season.
He pointed to the contribution of Alex Rodman after coming off the bench against the Shots and the encouraging form of fellow winger Joe Colbeck.
"It will come for Scott and that's why we've got our squad," he remarked.
"The lads that have come in for him has done well.
"Alex, for example has shown he is ready to come in and make a difference when called upon.
"While we would like everyone flying and to be at 100 per cent – these situations are exactly why we have the squad we have."
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