New frontman Will Harris is back in training at Barrow AFC ahead of a possible debut at Colchester this weekend.

And boss Mark Cooper also hopes midfielder Robbie Gotts will be fit to return for the trip to Essex.

Sunderland loan signing Harris was denied his first outing in the FA Cup tie at Barnsley last weekend because of a positive Covid test.

Both he and fellow loan arrival Jacob Wakeling could now be added to the squad for Saturday’s League Two game.

“Harris is back available, he’ll train today,” Cooper said this morning.

“He’s been keeping himself ticking over; he’s back in today after testing negative, and he had no symptoms.”

The Mail: Robbie Gotts (photo: Will Matthews / MI News)Robbie Gotts (photo: Will Matthews / MI News)

Cooper hopes Gotts can return from a groin injury, meanwhile, for the clash at the Jobserve Community Stadium, while Jamie Devitt could retain his place in the squad after making his comeback at Barnsley.

Speaking about the fitness situation in his squad, the manager said: “Jamie Devitt’s had a real injury-laden season – from the second game against Scunthorpe, he tore his thigh, and then he tore his calf, so it’s been difficult for him to get going.

“He’s not match fit because we haven’t been able to get him fit, because we haven’t got that facility to play a reserve game or behind-closed-doors game.

“He’s had to get fit on the 3G pitch which is not ideal. But we had to put him on the pitch last Saturday because we needed a goal.

“We’ve got him scrambling to get fit. He’s got great quality.

“George Williams we have to try and get fit through training. We’ve got Robbie Gotts to come back, and hopefully he’ll be available for the weekend.

“Joe Grayson and Josh Gordon are out what you’d class as long term.”

Tom Beadling, meanwhile, will be suspended after his red card in the 5-4 cup thriller at Oakwell.