Doyle in race for return at Swindon

The Seasiders number one missed the last two games after picking up an ankle injury in training, but the 30-year-old is expected to join the squad on the bus to Wiltshire this afternoon.

Doyle is one of the club’s stand-out performers this season, consistently catching the eye since his summer move from Birmingham.

And after scans on his latest ankle knock came back clear, manager Neil McDonald is delighted to welcome the Irishman back into the squad.

McDonald said: “We have a fully fit squad and Colin trained on Thursday, so we’ll see if he has any reaction to that.

“It’s excellent news to have him back in training. He rolled his ankle and we hoped it wasn’t going to be a bad one. He’s positive about it himself and his ankle feels good.”

McDonald called in a favour from Burton boss Nigel Clough and brought Dean Lyness back to the club for his second loan spell this season.

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While Lyness kept a clean sheet in Tuesday’s draw with Oldham, many expect Doyle to be thrown back into the side when fully fit.

And McDonald hinted it could even be this weekend.

He said: “He’s our number one goalkeeper and has been fantastic this season.

“I’m pleased with his contribution, not just on the pitch but off it too.

“He’s a real calming influence around the place and has experience.

“He’s also a good goalkeeper.

“It will give me a good dilemma to have him back as we now have three really good goalkeepers at this club.

“Whoever has the gloves now has to play well to keep their place.”

Pool will go from no professional keepers to three tomorrow after Kyle Letheren also returned to training.

He was sent home earlier this week with a sickness bug, but is back in contention for tomorrow.

McDonald confirmed: “Kyle is available again now, he’s been ill with sickness for a few days.

“But he’s back in training now.”