UNITED midfielder Michael O'Connor could make a sooner than expected comeback at Coventry on Friday.

The Northern Irishman trained yesterday after missing Saturday's victory at Crystal Palace with a thigh injury which it was initially thought would keep him out for 10 days.

"We're easing him back in," said Scunthorpe boss Alan Knill.

"We'll wait and see if he's had a reaction from training, but I didn't think so – he looked all right.

"We were worried it was a tear, but it's proved not to be.

"We had no choice but to leave him out on Saturday, and unbelievably he's back quicker than we all thought.

"He's a good player. But, I've got to say, the team did pretty well on Saturday, so if he's fit it leaves us with a decision to make.

"But it's a good decision when you've got good players."

Knill was handed another boost with the news Ramon Nunez has extended his loan spell at Glanford Park until the end of the season.

"He's done really well for us," Knill said of the Leeds United loanee.

"I think he's getting better, which is the main thing."

A young Iron reserve team lost 3-1 at home to Hartlepool United reserve team yesterday, Scott Matthews getting the hosts' consolation effort.