Double Boost For Blackwell

Last updated : 05 September 2006 By Kevin Markey
Nicholls has been on the sidelines since picking up a knee injury just 30 minutes into his first training session after a £700k move from Luton.

The 27-year-old was expected to be out for at least three months and Kevin Blackwell is delighted Nicholls has rejoined the first-team squad and is looking to ease him back into contention in the coming weeks.

"Kevin lasted longer than last time," Blackwell joked on the club's official website.

"Seriously, it's good to have him back. He's a little bit ahead of schedule so we'll have to ease him back in and monitor his progress along the way.

"He's a determined character who has worked very hard, and I think the physio staff will be glad to see the back of him!"

Meanwhile, Cresswell has been given the nod to increase his training.

He underwent further knee surgery during the summer and has been taking things step-by-step in order to ensure a full recovery.

Cresswell is now looking to see how his knee reacts under a bit more strain with a view to making his first-team return before the end of September.

"Hopefully I can step it up over the next few weeks now," said the former Preston striker. "I feel alright, but it's a case of seeing how it reacts.

"I've spent that much time in the swimming pool I feel like I've got gills on my back but it's cardio-vascular work, and it's an important part of the process.

"I've done a little bit of running, but hopefully I can do more now."