CLUB skipper Cliff Byrne has been given the all-clear to step up his training again with Scunthorpe United.

It follows a three-day visit last week to the FA rehabilitation centre at Lilleshall.

The 29-year-old has been laid low with a back problem since January and underwent surgery earlier this summer.

He has already been doing a lot of work in the gym to keep his body in shape.

But this week he will step up his stamina training in a bid to return to action within the next three or four weeks.

A fit-again Byrne offers United options at either right-back or in the heart of the defence.

Now the club's longest serving player by some distance, he is also a big influence on the pitch and in the dressing room.

Meanwhile manager Alan Knill insists there still might be a chance of strengthening his defence with the acquisition of Blackburn youngster Gavin Gunning, who seems on the verge of a move to Dundee United.

"I am still not sure what the position is, but I can't get hold of him," said the Scunthorpe boss.

"I tried to contact him before our game at Wycombe on Saturday and again after it.

"But he is not returning my calls.

"He is a good player and I still think we could make him into a better one if he comes here – but the ball is now in his court."

Gunning trained in Dundee last Thursday before returning to Blackburn to tie up one or two loose ends.

But Tangerines boss Peter Houston clearly believes a verbal agreement has been reached with the player.

"The deal is done to come to Dundee United and we're delighted to get him," he said.

"He'll join up with us again after he's been away on international duty."

Gunning, who featured in Scunthorpe's final two pre-season friendlies against Rotherham and Barnsley, is a member of the Republic of Ireland's Under-21 squad.