Injured striker Jordan Robertson will return to full training next week, Scunthorpe United have revealed.

The former Sheffield United trainee has not played for the Iron since suffering a broken ankle in training during the second week of the season.

Initially it was feared he would be out of action until the end of December.

But after stepping up his rehabilitation in the last month, Robertson could now be ready for a first-team role more than a month ahead of schedule.

And manager Alan Knill has no doubts the 23-year-old summer signing, who is yet to get his career on track following an 18-month spell in prison for causing death by dangerous driving, can make an impact at Glanford Park.

"He's been in good spirits since the initial shock and disbelief wore off," said the Iron boss on Thursday lunchtime

"So much has happened to him in a short while, including this.

"But once he got over that he's been really good and positive, as I expected.

"He's someone who comes back from whatever is thrown at him and the thing I like about him most of all is that he's strong mentally and single-minded.

"He's back a lot earlier than everybody thought, albeit only into training.

"He's not ready to play yet, but if you look at him you can see he's definitely looked after himself while he's been injured. He looks in real good shape.

"He's coming back with a lot to prove."

Scunthorpe hope to receive similarly good news on two more of their walking wounded.

Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was back at Manchester United today having his dislocated finger assessed but remains a doubt for Saturday's game with Tranmere Rovers.

And while Damien Mozika has been ruled out of a third successive match, Knill is sure the French midfielder will be back from an ankle problem much quicker than the six to eight week absence he was initially diagnosed.

"Damien didn't think it was going to be that long," added the Iron boss.

"He's still got a cast on, but next week we'll have a closer look at the ankle and reassess things.

"We've done well considering so many players have been injured. It's been a real good effort, but I'd like a full squad. I want that competition.

"All five subs on Tuesday night were players, they've all played a few games."