TOP-scorer Jon-Paul Pittman is winning his race to be fit for tomorrow’s League One clash at home to Walsall.

The striker has made a lightning recovery from his groin injury and joined in full training yesterday after missing last week’s 1-1 draw at Exeter.

He is a week ahead of schedule and if he comes through today’s session without any reaction he will go straight back into new boss Gary Waddock’s squad for tomorrow’s match-up with the mid-table Saddlers.

His return to fitness is a major boost for the goal-shy Blues, who are reeling from the blow of losing striker Stuart Beavon for six weeks with a groin injury.

The rock-bottom Blues are the second lowest scorers in the division and Waddock will keep a close eye on Pittman today before naming his side.

He said: “We need goals, he has declared himself fit and if he comes through training on Friday he will come into the group.”

The Blues boss is unbeaten in his first two matches at the helm and has put a smile back on the faces of his beleaguered players, but he is still looking for his first win after 1-1 draws against Colchester and Exeter.

Now the former Aldershot manager is looking for his first three points as he looks to steer his new club out of the relegation zone.

He said: “The draws we got against Colchester and Exeter were two good points for us against good opposition but we want to win football matches starting tomorrow.

“And if the players show the same attitude, desire and commitment that they have shown in training and in the two games so far, we will get those points sooner rather than later.

“You only get the confidence and belief by winning football matches – we’ve picked up two decent points – and we’re looking to build on that.”

Midfield kingpin Tommy Doherty looks set to retain his place after coming through the Exeter match – his first game of the season – without any ill effects to the ankle he injured in pre-season.

But the game could come too soon for Stuart Green. He returned to the training field this week after his hamstring injury but Waddock is urging caution.

He said: “You have to be very careful with hamstrings. I will have a look at his fitness very carefully today to see if I involve him.”

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