United manager Greg Abbott received some encouraging news on the injury front this morning when Peter Murphy and Paul Thirlwell joined the squad for the first team training session.

Defender Murphy, 28, returned from a back injury to play against Leicester on Saturday and was rested as a precaution through the early part of the week.

Abbott said: "Peter will train today and he will be fit for Friday.

"Whether or not we will get two games out of him over the weekend, we will just have to wait and see, but he will definitely be involved for Oldham."

Team captain Paul Thirlwell damaged his calf muscle two weeks ago and has had an ice pack strapped to the affected area in a bid to reduce the swelling.

The United boss said: "Paul will join us for part of today's session, and that is really encouraging news.

"He won't be able to do it all, but it's a big step forward for him and it will be good to see him in there and involved again."

Winger Lewis Neal, still recovering from a twisted ankle picked up during training last Friday, will miss both of the Easter fixtures, but should be available for selection again for the visit of Swindon in a week's time.