MARK Davies could make his Wanderers comeback in a matter of weeks after showing encouraging signs of progress in training.

Hopes are high that the midfielder can get some games under his belt before the end of the season after showing no ill-effects of his four-month lay-off since returning to the pitch at Euxton.

Davies has not featured for the Whites since damaging his anterior cruciate ligament soon after the 3-1 victory over Wigan Athletic in November.

And though the club initally played down the chances of him playing again before next season, his recent improvement suggests he could be back in action sooner rather than later.

Davies made 11 appearances this season, only six of which were for Neil Lennon, before being sidelined.

And while the Whites boss insists he won’t take any chances with the 27-year-old, he is eager to see him back out on the pitch again.

“He is out on the grass in training now, joining in, and has been running for the last couple of weeks,” he told The Bolton News.

“With an injury like that you can’t rush it but we hope we’ll see him before the end of the season. It would be a big boost for the fans if we could do that.

“Of course I wouldn’t take any risks. I don’t want to do that. I want him ready and starting next season because he can play a big part for us.

“But the way things stand I do think he will be able to play some football between now and when we leave for the summer.”

Davies will not be in contention for Wanderers’ Easter double header against Blackpool and Cardiff City but may put himself in the frame for Norwich City’s visit on April 11.

Saidy Janko should also be back in full contention by next weekend after treatment on a trapped nerve, giving Lennon a chance to freshen the team which threw away two points at Wigan Athletic last time out.

“We’re getting a couple of players back,” he said. “It might be a bit early for Mark Davies.

“The keepers (Adam Bogdan and Andy Lonergan) are fit too but the way Ben Amos has been playing it will be difficult to replace him, he’s been absolutely outstanding, “The loan players have done well – but the rest need to step up.”