James Meredith has made a welcome return to the first team picture this weekend by joining City in their trip down to Exeter for their match with Paul Tisdale's Grecians this Saturday.
Meredith was part oF Phil Parkinson's travelling squad that made the journey south this Friday to begin preparations for their match at St James' Park
After being sidelined for over two months with a bout of glandular fever, the trip to Exeter will be Meredith's first involvement with Parkinson's squad since his withdrawal at half time during the New Year's Day fixture at Morecambe.
Meredith was given the green light to step up his recovery from the illness after successfully making it through two first-half cameo appearances in the reserves this week.
Commenting on the Australian's return to the first team fold, Parkinson said: "He's had the benefit of a good couple of weeks training and two reserve fixtures under his belt now. He's getting ever closer to securing a starting berth for us again.
"He'll come into the squad now for this weekend and we'll see how he does when we're down there.
"It's been a difficult time for him recently with his illness problems.
"It has been really rough for him, no doubt, so we are all pleased for him to see him back and pushing for a return.
"Mez (James Meredith) has been working really hard in training recently. He is really determined to get back into the side and make a contribution between now and the end of the season.
"Carl McHugh has done brilliantly in that left back role recently but it is certainly a boost to have Mez coming back."