NORTH End have been given a huge boost by the news that Michael Appleton and Steve Basham are both well on the way to recovery from similar injuries.

Appleton could be back in as little as a fortnight after suffering a cartilage tear in his knee in the 0-0 draw against Burnley on September 11.

He is expected back in training shortly, knocking rumours that he could be sidelined until after Christmas.

A spokesman for North End said: "It won't be more than a couple of weeks until Michael is back. There is no way that he will be out until Christmas and his return should not be more than two weeks away."

Appo's return is not the only good news for North End - striker Basham is also back in the frame after suffering a similar injury in the same match.

Bash had an operation a few days later and should be back in full training before the FA Cup clash with Bristol Rovers on Sunday.

He has reported back for training but sat out the reserve team game against West Brom earlier this week.

Skipper Sean Gregan, reported as having a swollen hip during the week, is said to be fine for the first-round tie.

It's believed Gregan - the subject of much transfer speculation at the moment - missed a few of the training sessions earlier in the week.

Paul McKenna who limped from the field during the Brentford match with a knock to the ankle, should also be fine.

French midfielder Farid Diaf provides boss David Moyes with a selection headache after completing his second match for North End. Diaf lasted the full 90 minutes in a reserve tie against West Brom on Monday night, in which Ryan Kidd also made a welcome return after stomach problems.

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