Kane Hemmings and Matt Tootle have 'looked sharp' since returning to full training this week, says assistant manager Neil Cox.
After Enzio Boldewijn made his comeback from injury as a substitute against Yeovil last week, the duo look set to add another boost to Notts County’s squad ahead of next Saturday’s clash with Lincoln.
And with no game at the weekend, Cox feels the time will be important in helping those three players return at full capacity.
“Despite not having a match, we’ve been in all week,” he said. “We’re working to get the lads stronger and ready for the 17 games we have remaining.
“Kane has been really sharp in training. He’s worked hard and been physical while still having bits of treatment on his knocks – another five or six days will be beneficial for him.
“Toots needs that base to build from. He came back from injury, played a couple of games and got injured again but he’s got through a couple of hard days and the more he trains, the better he’ll be.
“Enzio is a good option to have. He provides a spark going forward and it’s ideal having him back to create in the final third, so we’ve got some crucial work to do to get him back to full fitness.”
Manager Neal Ardley has spoken of his desire to bring in new players and Cox profiled the type of individual they are looking for.
“We want people that will come in, roll up their sleeves, work hard for this football club and tell others what they expect,” he revealed.
“The characters we are looking at – and talking to – have faced this type of task with other clubs and we are challenging them to come into this great football club and keep us in the division.
“A lot of players want to do it and we have to make sure we get them over the line because, once they come in, everyone will see a difference.
“We are looking for four or five that are better than what we already have. We won’t bring in anyone average and we are taking our time to make sure we get the players this football club needs.”
Cox and Ardley have already started to make their mark on the squad with the addition of three new players and the assistant manager has been pleased with their contributions so far.
“Ryan Schofield has come in and demanded from other people,” he said. “He’s got a lot of character about him for a young lad.
“Jim O’Brien has done the same and the lads around him will shine when they realise how good he is.
“He makes other people tick and isn’t as bothered about how he plays as long as those around him perform and the team win.
“Ben Barclay has the battling element we need and is prepared to stick his head in where it hurts for the cause.
“With these lads and the others we are trying to sign, the fans will see what we are trying to achieve and they will be proud of the players we have brought in.”