TWO outfield players - Ryan Barnett and Steven Fletcher - are back in training and closing in on a return to action.

Wing-back Barnett has not played since he limped off in the 2-1 win against Sutton on October 24 with knee ligament damage.

Fletcher, a former Scottish international who arrived at The Racecourse in September, had to undergo surgery after struggling with a knee problem. His last appearance was as a late substitute in the 2-0 victory at Notts County on October 28.

Parkinson is delighted to see both players return to training.

"Fletch and Barney have been back involved this week," said the Reds' boss.

"We are just assessing them to see how the week progresses but it is good to get them back on the training ground.

"The good thing for Fletch is when he joined us, he came in without a pre-season and this injury has allowed us an opportunity for the medical team to do a lot of fitness work with him.

"He has slotted back into training well in the first few days."

Parkinson refuses to put a timescale on when the duo will make their comebacks, with Saturday's Welsh derby against Newport County at The Racecourse the first of four games in 10 days over the festive period.

"We don't want to make any predictions but it is good to have two real quality players back on the training pitch," he added.

A number of other players remain on the sidelines but Parkinson had good news regarding centre-back Aaron Hayden.

"Aaron is making decent progress," said Parkinson. "It is only a slight injury but we will just see."