United boss Greg Abbott gave us an update on three of his long-term injured players following a very tough Thursday morning training session.

He said: "Paul Thirlwell has trained with the squad but he didn't train at flat out. He will travel with us to Brentford but we'll decide what we do with him when we see how he trains on grass during the Friday session. He is hopeful that he won't feel anything on Friday morning and that he will be able to do another full session before we set off. That's great for him and for us.

"Marc Bridge-Wilkinson is a little bit further ahead in terms of overall fitness but he is another that needs grass so that he can really push himself. It's frustrating for these lads because they just want to be back and in amongst it.

"It's the same with Richard Offiong. He is looking really good in training now and he is happy to be back with us. He had six or seven weeks when he couldn't do anything because of his knee injury but he looks hungry now. I don't think he's ready for a full start yet, but he's getting there."

All three players will travel with the squad to Brentford.