FOR the first time this season, Chris Wilder can start planning some behind-closed-doors friendlies.

Damian Batt and Liam Davis will be both be included in the squad for tomorrow’s FA Cup tie at Accrington, and Tom Craddock could return for Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at Plymouth.

That would then leave only Michael Duberry and Deane Smalley on the treatment table – with Duberry possibly ready for a comeback in a week’s time when United entertain Aldershot.

The news is a real boost for a side who have been battered by injuries so far this season.

With a hectic Christmas schedule just around the corner, their return couldn’t have come at a better time.

But Wilder, whilst delighted to have them back on the training field, said it was now important to get match-time under their belts.

Davis was a substitute against Northampton, but was not fit enough to play a part in the game.

“I will have Damian and Liam back for Saturday so they’ll be involved,” United’s manager confirmed.

“Clearly they are not 100 per cent, but to have them in the 18 will be a big boost.

“Hopefully, we’ll have Tommy back for Tuesday as well – so the situation is getting a lot better.

“Dubes is possibly OK for December 8th – a week away.”

He added: “It’s great to have these players back, but they will need a while to get into the rhythm.

“We’ve got to get them up to speed. I’m not trying to cover anything up by saying that, it’s fact – it will take them a little while to get to where we want them to be.

“We organised a behind closed doors friendly for this Tuesday, but we looked at the numbers and in the end decided that it was just too early for us.

“After the Aldershot game we will be looking to get some games like that though, and then people like Duberry can get 90 minutes under their belt which will kick them on towards first-team selection.”

Tomorrow’s opponents Accrington were beaten 5-0 at the Kassam Stadium a month ago, but Wilder will stress to his side that they must be on guard for a reaction from those players involved in that crushing defeat.

“It will be a very different game to the league game,” he said.

“I’m sure there will be plenty of players who will be hurting from that game and keen to put it right.

“But we know what to expect at Accrington and will be prepared.

“I went to watch them on Tuesday against Rotherham and I thought they deserved to win.

“They’re a good side and we have to earn the right to be in the hat.”