Scunthorpe defender Izzy Iriekpen is hoping to return to full training next week having not in the first team for over four months.The 25-year-old has made only seven appearances for Scunny following his free summer transfer from Swansea due to injury and suspension.

The centre-half struggled with a groin problem after the Iron's first three matches and was suspended after being sent off for violent conduct in his comeback match for the reserves.

Iriekpen then sustained a knee injury and played his last game in the goalless draw at Norwich on October 2.

Fellow defender Andy Butler and midfielder Jim Goodwin both recently returned to first-team action after injury lay-offs, leaving manager Nigel Adkins with a fully-fit squad as Scunthorpe fight for Championship survival.

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