Latics defender John Thompson could make a return to full training next week as his summer of hard work pays off.

The Eire international has been a picture of dedication throughout the close season, working with Latics' medical team every single weekday barring two weeks for a summer holiday.

He was able to join in light training and fitness work earlier this week after making a successful recovery from major knee surgery.

Thompson went under the knife following the 1-1 draw with Millwall in March in a bid to cure a troublesome knee injury which flared up a number of times during the 2007/08 season.

Injury problems restricted the ex-Nottingham Forest man to just 11 appearances last time around following his free transfer move from the City Ground.

Thompson is the only senior player currently unavailable for full training as Lee Hughes is back on tip-top form after he also put in the hours this summer to beat a groin injury.