Bailey – who’s missed 13 months with a knee injury – has rejoined the first-team squad on a daily basis whilst loanee Pattison has overcome a two-month absence with a back complaint. 

Their return from the physio room leaves Omar Sowunmi as the only long-term absentee following ankle surgery, with Town’s captain stepping up his rehabilitation by completing his first running session on Monday.

Commenting on the fitness of the squad, first-team physiotherapist, Mike Micciche, told YTFC.net: “We will be in a position next week where every player will be on the training field. Although Omar will be rehabilitating, the physiological boost that gives everyone, not just Omar, will be massive. 

“Having greater numbers on the training ground helps improve the quality of training and increases the competitiveness of sessions, and with the return of Bailey and Pattison the competition for places will start to heat up.”