Fitness boost for defender

Jonathan Spector's hopes of returning to the first team before the year ends will be tested tonight as he runs out for the reserves.

The 22-year-old has been out of the side with a hip injury after bursting onto the scene at the end of last season but he is desperate to get back into the side as soon as he can to bolster Gianfranco Zola's choices.

The international played in a central defensive role last week in a behind closed doors friendly and looked physically ready to return but his match fitness is another matter.

He told the club's website: "I need at least one more reserve game before I feel fit enough to be in with the first team but I will certainly be pushing myself to be back as soon as possible."