ACCRINGTON Stanley expect Peter Cavanagh to return before Christmas after a scan eased fears that the skipper may need an operation.

Cavanagh has not featured since mid-October because of a niggling Achilles’ problem and boss John Coleman expected the 27-year-old to either feature against Brentford on Saturday or go under the knife.

As it turned out, that game was postponed and a scan this week has revealed that Cavanagh could indeed be close to a comeback.

Assistant manager Jimmy Bell said: “It’s the first time in a while that we’ve had good results with him.

“We’re hopeful it will clear up now and he will be back available in two weeks ahead of the Christmas period. That would be a big boost for us.”

Leam Richardson remains a doubt for Friday’s trip to Lincoln because of recurrence of his pelvic injury.