Goalkeeper Shane Higgs could return to action in Leeds United's reserves next week.

The former Cheltenham keeper has been sidelined since October with a thigh injury, but is now pencilled in for a return with the reserves.

United manager Simon Grayson confirmed: "Shane is getting closer and closer and all being well he wil play in the reserves next week.

"He's been out a long time and it's been a frustrating time for him, but he's been doing ball work and we will see how he goes."

Higgs was an ever present until first suffering the injury at MK Dons in September. He made his comeback against Norwich at Elland Road the following month, but was forced to withdraw early in the game after suffering a recurrence of the injury.

The reserve game against Lincoln City at Elland Road next Wednesday (7pm) is also likely to mark Ben Parker's return to action too.

The left-back was expected to feature at Huddersfield in the reserves last week, but a slight knee injury put his comeback on temporary hold.