CHRIS McCann could be in line for a shock return after making a speedy recovery from a hamstring strain.

The 20-year-old, who was stretchered off against Bristol City almost a fortnight ago, was expected to remain sidelined until after the two-week break for internationals, which begins after tomorrow's trip to Cardiff City.

But after completing a full training session yesterday, manager Steve Cotterill was contemplating putting the midfielder back in the starting line-up to face the Bluebirds.

"Chris could be close for Cardiff, which is a bonus," he said.

"He trained today (Thursday), which was very much a surprise. Had he trained (on Friday), he might not have been close, but we will wait and see on the reaction he gets to see if we can involve him.

"If we can involve him, do we involve him from the start or do we have to try to bring him on when the game's a bit more fatigued, depending on how we shape up."

Cotterill admitted he was impressed with the performance of both Alan Mahon and John Spicer in central midfield against Ipswich on Tuesday, but was wary of the absence of a defence-minded player in that role.

"When you talk about and read about a ball-winning midfield player, what actually is a ball-winning midfield player and where do you want him to win the ball?" he continued.

"Do you want him to win the ball on the edge of their box and shoot and score goals or do we want him intercepting things and tackling people two yards from his own box? Or better still do we want him doing both?

"We've not got a Patrick Vieira-type in midfield - not many have, and I'm sure Arsenal would want one 10 years younger.

"But we have a young Chris McCann, who everyone's interested in. That's our closest one. He's 6ft 2ins, very athletic, got great stamina, a good left foot, and will head it, although he will head it better as he gets older."

Up until his injury at Ashton Gate, McCann had partnered Graham Alexander in the middle of the park.

That is unlikely to be the case tomorrow, even if he is selected, as with Michael Duff ruled out for the season with multiple knee ligament damage Alexander is expected to retain his place at right back.