St Mirren striker Eamonn Brophy could return from injury before the end of this season.
The former Killie hitman had looked set to miss the rest of the campaign after needing surgery on a fracture in his foot.
The 25-year-old made just six appearances for the Saints after joining in the January transfer window before succumbing to the knock, but now manager Jim Goodwin hopes to be able to call on his services when the Paisley club face Hamilton on Saturday, May 1.
That could prove to be a timely boost as the Buddies look to bag seventh spot in the Premiership, as well as being available for Scottish Cup action should the club reach the latter stages of the competition.
Goodwin said: "Eamonn is chomping at the bit to get back, the problem is you need to wait for the bone to set properly.
"If we rush him back too early, we run the risk of something happening that prolongs the whole rehabilitation period.
"He's not a tentative type. As soon as he's ready we'll know and I'd like to think that by the end of next week he'll be back in with the group doing some passing and possession stuff.
"He might even make the squad for the Hamilton game."
