Midfielder Jimmy Ryan is on the road to recovery from a dead leg.

Scunthorpe United manager Alan Knill is 'hopeful' the summer signing will make the bench at Charlton Athletic on Saturday after missing the last two games.

Ryan picked up the injury in the Iron's Carling Cup  victory over former club Accrington Stanley last Tuesday.

"We're hopeful he's going to at least be part of the squad and be on the bench," said Knill.

"He's just not fit enough to train with us.

"It was a dead leg and where he got it, the swelling has now dropped down to his knee apparently.

"He's doing straight line running and I watched him on the training ground today.

"Day by day it's getting better.

"But if it came to it and getting a knock on it again could keep him out for two weeks, then you'd have to say no.

"But right now, I can be honest and say I don't know (if he'll play).

"I'm hopeful he'll come with us and be able to go on the bench."

Defender Eddie Nolan and front man Chris Dagnall both missed training today but will be fit for Saturday's trip.

"It's just precautionary really," explained Knill.

"Eddie has had toothache so has had to go to the dentist and Dags had a sore back so we've just rested him.

"But we're assured they're going to be okay for the weekend."