Ben Middlemas targets potential return to training before end of November, as midfield makes good progress in recovery

Middlemas has had to undergo minor surgery to shave loose cartilage off his knee, an unusual injury which Swindon originally predicted could lead to an absence of as long as four to five months.

However, the midfielder has made superb progress over recent weeks, and on Thursday, manager Ian Holloway indicated that he may have the youngster at his disposal within the month.

That would put Middlemas's rehabilitation right at the bottom end of the possible scale first anticipated by Town's medical department.