TOMMY Conway could return to the Middlesbrough squad for Monday's game against Sunderland after taking a significant forward step in his recovery this week.
But boss Michael Carrick has warned of the need to be "careful" with the striker, who has been out of action for more than a month.
Conway hasn't featured for Boro since suffering a hamstring injury in the Boxing Day home draw against Sheffield Wednesday. He's joined in with a "small part of training" this week and is unlikely to be in from the off against the Black Cats on Monday, but is in contention to return to the squad.
The fact Conway is now back in training is a major boost for Boro, with Emmanuel Latte Lath set to join Atlanta United ahead of Monday night's transfer deadline. Latte Lath will be replaced but any newcomer will still need time to settle on Teesside.
After signing from Bristol City in November, Conway enjoyed a hugely impressive start to life at the Riverside, scoring eight goals before the end of November.
The 22-year-old will have a major role to play in the second half of the season.
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“Tommy has had a small part of training with us this week," said Carrick.
"Obviously he’s been out for a little while so we need to be careful with him. But he has been back with the group, albeit only in a small way so far. We’ll assess it as the days go on."
With Latte Lath expected to have gone before Monday's game against Sunderland, Carrick could turn to Delano Burgzorg or Marcus Forss to lead the line against Sunderland if he thinks it's too much too soon for Conway.
Moving Burgzorg up-front would potentially mean a start for Morgan Whittaker, who wasn't signed in time to make his debut at Preston last week.
While Conway's progress is good news for Boro, Jonny Howson and Riley McGree are "weeks away" from being ready to return, said Carrick.
McGree has been out of action since earlier this month while Howson's last appearance came in the December draw with Plymouth.
Carrick said: “There is no one else back this week. Jonny and Riley are probably both still a number of weeks away really.
"Riley is back on the grass in a small way - not with us, it’s his rehab. He’s on his way back, but it will be weeks rather than days."
