Return of Paul Reid and Michael Collins delights Scunthorpe United boss Alan Knill

Scunthorpe United manager Alan Knill has welcomed the return to action of Paul Reid and Michael Collins as he looks forward to the 'dilemmas' a stronger squad brings.

Reid made his first appearance of the season on Saturday, playing the full 90 minutes of the 1-1 draw at Swindon Town.

The Iron skipper took the place of suspended team-mate David Mirfin at centre-back having recovered from a series of niggles which postponed his comeback from a hand injury.

For Collins, meanwhile, his arrival off the bench in the final few minutes marked the end of a long road to fitness.

****SALE**GRIMSBY SUNBLINDS**SALE***

Grimsby Sunblinds

View details

30% off selected vertical and roller blind ranges.SALE on our most stylish privacy wood venetians.

Contact: 01472 809887

Valid until: Saturday, June 29 2013

Having played in two behind-closed-doors games, Saturday was his first run-out in more than a year after being sidelined with tendinopathy.

With Damien Mozika (ankle) seemingly not too far away Knill feels his team are better equipped for the challenges ahead.

"It's fantastic," he said.

"I thought Reidy looked strong and we know Collins is in real good shape, so that's why it wasn't a problem for us to throw him on the pitch.

"He played 45, then he played 75 (in the reserve games) and now he's had a few minutes on Saturday.

"I think it's just important he gets used to this level of football. Those reserve games, you're not always being tested, but once you step on the pitch here against the quality of players he's playing against, then he's being tested.

"I think that's the most important thing because he's got the energy and the power in his legs, it's just the confidence of playing against this sort of opposition again.

"I thought Reidy was excellent.

"You can see some of the qualities he brings, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room as well.

"We're delighted that he got through the 90 minutes and we're delighted for Collins.

"It gives us some dilemmas but it's good to have a fit squad. Having Mozika back too, will make us really strong."

Knill also dismissed reports suggesting Leon Clarke was in line for an early recall by parent club Charlton Athletic.

Addicks boss Chris Powell has made it clear the striker has no future at The Valley and his six goals in nine appearances for United are said to have caught the eye of a number of other clubs who would be interested in a permanent deal.

Clarke started a three-month loan with Scunthorpe in September but Charlton are able to recall him after 28 days, however Knill revealed no contact has been made.

"I've not heard anything," he said. "I hope not.

"He would have gone by now if that was the case."