NORWICH City manager Alex Neil says that he would have no qualms allowing Louis Thompson to return to play a part in Swindon Town’s play-off bid if the midfielder is fit enough.

Thompson, who joined the Canaries for a potential seven-figure fee on the final day of the summer transfer window before being loaned back to Swindon for the season, has been sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, which required surgery, since February.

The 20-year-old is certain to miss his side’s remaining League One clashes against Preston North End, Colchester United and Leyton Orient but County Ground chief Mark Cooper revealed on Thursday that Thompson’s recovery was ‘progressing very, very nicely’.

A monumental swing in goal difference and other results could see Town miraculously snatch the second automatic promotion spot but if, as expected, Cooper’s men finish fourth in the table, their play-off semi-finals will take place away from home on Thursday, May 7 and at the County Ground on Monday, May 11.

And should star youth product Thompson complete his return to fitness ahead of schedule, Norwich chief Neil wouldn’t deny the midfielder the chance of a last hurrah at SN1.

“I have spoken to Louis. He had an operation on his shoulder. He is getting treatment on that and it is something, of course, we will keep an eye on,” said the Canaries boss.

“If he is sort of fit, available and ready, then I don’t see any issues with him playing but he is going to have to make sure.

“We will certainly not be putting him under any undue pressure to go and get involved if he is not right.”