JOHNNY Herd feels he has an 80 per cent chance of being fit for Friday’s clash with MK Dons.

The left-back missed last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Yeovil Town with a hamstring injury.

But he now hopes to be nearing a return to action.

“The aim is to be fit for the game on Friday and that’s what we’re working towards,” said Herd, 20.

“At the moment I would say I’m about 80 per cent certain of being involved but I will have a proper fitness test today and we will know more after that.

“I can still feel some pain but I’ve done a few sprints and come through that fine so hopefully I will be able to join in with training tomorrow and then be fit for Friday.”

Herd sustained the injury during the 3-0 defeat in the opening round of the FA Cup at Gillingham 11 days ago.

He originally expected to be out for at least for a month but is now facing a shorter spell on the sidelines.

“It was a bit amateur of me to say I was going to be out that long before I had even gone for the scans,” said Herd.

“They showed there wasn’t a tear so instead of looking at being out for around four to six weeks it’s looking more like one or two which is obviously good news.”

Herd’s impending return will also be welcomed by manager Steve Tilson who currently has just two fit defenders in his small squad – Simon Francis and Adam Barrett.

Anthony Grant and Jean Francois Christophe, who are naturally midfielders, have been forced to switch into the back four.

But, despite those problems, Herd will not be rushed back into the starting line-up.

“You have to be sensible about it and I won’t play on Friday if I’m not fully ready,” said Herd.

“The hamstring is a main muscle in your leg so you have to be careful. I don’t want to come back too soon then completely pull it because then I would probably be out until after Christmas “That’s why we are taking it a day at time but hopefully I will be OK to play against MK Dons.”