JOSH Earl has made his long-awaited return to training at Wanderers.

The on-loan Preston North End defender tore ankle ligaments just 14 minutes into his debut at Wycombe on the opening day of the season.

But Keith Hill says the 20-year-old is back with the group and making his way towards a first team comeback.

Earl was signed prior to Hill’s arrival as manager but the Wanderers boss has already seen signs that the youngster can become a part of the first team furniture.

“He’s been on the training pitch for the last few days, albeit cautiously,” he said.

“He was with us Sunday, so we’re optimistic. He can play left side centre-back and left-back, obviously. I think he’s a good technician, and a central defender who can play the ball out.

“I personally think there is a good player in there. But again he has to catch up to speed pretty quickly having not been part of the five-week process we have done with this group of players.

“We have done quite a lot of work in the way we play in and out of possession and I think we’re getting there. I think the players who have been available through that period are definitely getting there.”