Aberdeen midfielder Barry Robson is on the verge of an early return to action.
The 34-year old underwent minor knee surgery last month which was supposed to keep him out for another few weeks but he is hoping to be fit for the weekend's trip to Partick Thistle.
"Barry is knocking his pan in to get back for the Partick game," manager Derek McInnes said. "He's working hard and he's probably a wee bit ahead of where we thought in terms of his physical state.
"He is back running again and looking strong and powerful. There's not been any setbacks since the operation and he has given himself every chance.
"At the moment I'm not going to count him in for Partick but I certainly won't rule him out.
"We'll have a better idea by the end of the week once he starts doing his twisting and turning and striking the ball.
"Hopefully he'll be back with the first team proper in the next few days and we'll see how he is. At the moment he has every chance."
