Tony James close to fitness

Tony James is close to fitness after six weeks lay-off. The former Hereford United captain, now with Burton, played 75 minutes in a reserve match against Weymouth last Wednesday.

James, now 31, suffered knee ligament damage just one minute into the opening game of the Conference season against Histon.

"Tony probably needs one more reserve game, and we'll try to fix that up for next week," said manager Nigel Clough.

"The fact that Tony is a senior player and was one of our major summer signings doesn't count for anything. Like any other player in the squad, he has got to work his way back and earn his place in the team on merit."

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