PAUL Hurst hopes the returning Scott Neilson can bring back 'a bit of magic' to the Grimsby Town side.
The tricky winger, pictured, is raring to start his season having been forced to sit out the opening three games through the suspension he picked up at the end of the last campaign.
And his comeback will be a timely one for boss Paul Hurst, who is looking to kick-start Town's season following three consecutive draws.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Hurst admitted that the 27-year-old's absence has been felt amid Town's early-season injury crisis.
"We know that we're getting Scotty back from suspension this weekend, which is a big boost," he said.
"It's great that he's coming back ready to go and isn't on the comeback from an injury lay-off.
"In saying that, Scott didn't run on before the game on Saturday because he had a dead leg.
"But all things considered, he should be fit available and ready to play for the Gateshead game.
"It would mean that we're getting another body back into the squad – whether it's to start or to throw on, which is encouraging considering that we've got two games in three days – it's a big boost."
Neilson was one of the Mariners' most influential players last season – leading the way in the creativity stakes.
And Hurst says the Londoner is the type of player who can make the difference in matches like the 1-1 draw with Dover last time out.
He continued: "Scott is a player that can make a big difference for us in some games – we know the ability that he's got – he can give us that bit of magic.
"On Saturday against Dover we were pressing and enough quality balls went into the box and we created enough situations in and around it.
"But Scott is another player who can make something happen in there.
"It's always good to welcome back a player of Scott's ability."
