ACCRINGTON Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin is heading back towards first-team contention after recovering from a badly gashed knee.

Dunbavin has been sidelined for a fortnight with a cut even Tranmere physio Les Parry admitted was the longest he had ever seen following the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie in which the keeper was caught by Rovers striker Craig Curran.

“It was in an awkward position but he has started training again,” said Accrington’s assistant-manager Jimmy Bell.

Dunbavin was not scheduled to be included in last night’s reserve-team game against Morecambe but may soon be ready to resume his under-study duties to Kenny Arthur.