Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson has provided an injury update as he remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.
The 35-year-old summer signing has been restricted to just 13 appearances for the Reds this term as injuries have hampered his availability.
He last featured in the 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town at the City Ground back in December, when he limped off in the second half.
Nottingham Forest injury latest - expected return dates for sidelined stars
And though he was edging towards full fitness in January, he suffered a relapse in one of Martin O’Neill’s first training sessions after he replaced Aitor Karanka at the helm.
The manager has previously said he would be cautious about rushing Dawson back too soon, and with the season fast drawing to a close, the centre-back has been discussing his progress.
“It’s been an ongoing joke with the lads to be honest, that I’ll just get back for the actual business end of the season, but we’ll have to see,” Dawson told talkSPORT.
“I am getting close and I’m back on the grass now and kicking balls again.”
Boss O’Neill has found his central defensive options limited at times, with Tobias Figueiredo and Michael Hefele also ruled out through injury.
Forest nevertheless, remain in the play-offs mix, with the gap standing at three points heading into the last seven games.
And Dawson admits it has been frustrating having to watch from the sidelines as his teammates have been battling at the top end of the table.
“It’s difficult when you go from training and playing games to not doing any of that and spending three hours a day in the gym,” he added.
“When you love football it’s the absolute worst thing in the world and by far the worst thing about being a professional player.
“I would say though, that the pros of being a footballer far outweigh the negatives, so it’s not all bad.”
