Kelvin Mellor 'ahead of schedule' after ankle injury

It was initially feared Mellor would be out for the rest of the season after suffering ankle ligament damage, but the full back returned to training at the start of this week.

Having missed the last four games, Bowyer hopes to have the 27-year-old back sooner than he had expected.

“Kelvin is doing really well,” Bowyer said.

“He was out on the training pitch on Monday so that’s been really positive to see him out there.

“He’s probably ahead of schedule, so we’re delighted with that.”

Bowyer also provided updates on the fitness of Mark Cullen and Jim McAlister, two players are still recovering from long-term injuries.

“Mark Cullen has had another good week,” he added.

“If we can get him through this week, there’s a possibility of pushing him harder next week with a view to joining back in properly.

“That would be fantastic for him and obviously for us too.

“One thing we have done this year is create chances and he is exactly what it says on the tin. He’s a goalscorer, which is something we’ve probably missed at times.

“Jim is not doing too bad. We’ve got to put the reins on him a little bit because he’s desperate to push on.

“But it’s important we make sure he’s right and then we can look at giving him some football towards the end of the season.

“I think I’ve got a selection headache now because I’m having to leave players out of the squad.

“Any manager will tell you that’s the worst part of our job, because you don’t like disappointing people.

“But you have to take decisions for the good of the squad and the good of the team.”