GARY Doherty is closing in on a return to training following a knee injury.

The former Republic of Ireland international damaged ligaments in his knee in August, ruling him out for a minimum of eight weeks.

Manager Gareth Ainsworth said Doherty had had a brace to support his knee removed and is hopeful the veteran defender is on the mend.

He said: "Doc's a good part of my plans - I'm sure we'll be seeing him playing."

Doherty hasn't kicked a ball in anger since February, when he broke his arm playing against Chesterfield.

He recovered in time to feature in Wanderers' pre season campaign but injured his knee in training just before the season was about to start.