Lincoln City defender Josh Honohan has returned to full training, although Tom Shaw has warned that the Imps will take a patient approach to his return.
Honohan has not played for City since completing his January move from Shamrock Rovers, having arrived at Sincil Bank with an existing injury, sustained in the FAI Cup Final. The 25-year-old missed the second half of last season as Lincoln secured promotion to the Championship and has also sat out the opening two friendlies of pre-season.
There has now been a significant step forward in his recovery, with the defender joining his teammates in group sessions.
“Josh is back training with the group,” Tom told the BBC after yesterday’s defeat against Leyton Orient. “We’ve got to be patient with Josh and make sure we pitch it right for when he gets back in the matchday squad.
“But the recent few weeks and months of his life, things have been really positive. We’ve got him in a good place physically. He’s a fit boy and a strong boy, so when he is back, he’ll be close to the lads, I think, in his physical fitness make-up.
“We’ve just got to be a little bit patient. He’s had a period of time out, but we cannot wait to see him play.”
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Honohan was among the players absent from the friendly victory at Boston United this weekend and did not feature against Leyton Orient in Spain. His return to training means he is moving closer to his first appearance in a Lincoln shirt, although Shaw stopped short of placing a date on his comeback.
The Republic of Ireland defender can operate at left-back or in central defence and joined City after helping Shamrock Rovers compete domestically and in Europe.
City now have two behind-closed-doors fixtures coming up as the players continue increasing their minutes, but Honohan’s involvement will depend on how he responds to the next stage of training.
The emphasis remains on ensuring he is fully prepared before being introduced into competitive action, rather than risking a setback after such a lengthy absence.
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