TROY Archibald-Henville is just one development game away from being ready for a first-team return, according to Swindon Town manager Mark Cooper.

The defender, who has not played for Town since November 2012, underwent knee surgery over the summer but has returned to full training and played 45 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly against Birmingham City on Tuesday.

Now Cooper reckons the 25-year-old is on the verge of a comeback - though he hinted that Archibald-Henville could be sent out on loan this month.

The prognosis for Tijane Reis is not quite as positive, however. Reis also played against Birmingham but Cooper considers the Portuguese to be several weeks behind Archibald-Henville in his recovery from a knee operation.

“Troy did well, he passed the ball well which is a strength of his. He obviously needed a game because you can’t replicate match fitness,” Cooper told the Advertiser.

“He and Tijane both needed a game. I would say Tijane is probably a little bit behind Troy in terms of being ready for the first team but they both needed the game and hopefully we can get a couple more into them.

“I think Troy with another game would be ready to go or play. He’d be ready to help us or, if he were to go on loan to get some fitness, he’d be ready.

“Tijane I think is a little bit further away.”