Could Ross Dyer return this season for the Stags?

The ex-Forest Green front man suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury on the opening day of the season against Newport which was expected to rule him out until next season.

However, Dyer is doing really well with his running and is ahead of schedule. But Mansfield Town manager Paul Cox said he wouldn’t push the player too hard too soon.

“Certainly don’t rule out him playing before the season finishes,” said Cox. “But I don’t want to put any pressure on Ross. There’s a world of difference between running and playing in a game.

“He is doing absolutely fantastically. It’s a bit surreal as he took some stick when he was in the side last season, but now fans are coming up and saying how much we have missed him.

“He is a brilliant lad to have in the dressing room. You come in every morning and see the smile on his face and it makes you smile too.

“I would never force a player back too early. I would sit and talk to him one on one.

“I would be very happy to see Ross wait until the summer, get a good pre-season behind him, and come back strong and fit for next season.”