SWINDON Town manager Mark Cooper has hinted that Louis Thompson could be fit in time to boost his side’s play-off push.

The 20-year-old midfield ace suffered a dislocated shoulder in February and despite being sidelined for the remainder of the League One schedule, Cooper revealed that the on-loan Norwich City youngster is recovering well and has a chance of returning to action next month.

After finishing fourth, Swindon's play-off semi-finals will take place away from home on Thursday, May 7 and at the County Ground on Monday, May 11 – and that could be with Thompson in tow.

Asked by the local media this morning if the midfielder would be back for the play-offs, Cooper said: “He could be. Louis is progressing very, very nicely but we have to remember that he is Norwich's player.”

Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Yaser Kasim is set for a scan on a foot injury today as boss Cooper sweats on his fitness ahead of the weekend’s trip to Preston North End.

The 23-year-old picked up the knock during Tuesday night’s 3-3 draw with Walsall and Kasim isn’t being unnecessarily risked ahead of the play-offs.

Massimo Luongo, who is recovering from a groin problem, will be rested again when Town travel to Preston whilst John Swift is likely to miss out again through illness.

“Massimo won’t be available because we’re getting that right,” said Cooper.

“Yaser is having a scan on a foot injury today but we hope he’ll be available. It’s similar to what he had in pre-season. When the ground becomes a little harder, he gets a little stress in his foot and it’s painful on impact.

“He’s going to have a scan to make sure it’s nothing serious but we think it’s the same injury, which will be fine.

“(John Swift is) still ill. We haven’t ruled him out but it’s very unlikely.”

The Swindon Advertiser was not permitted to attend this morning’s pre-match press conference.