SWINDON Town head coach Ben Garner says a decision over Anthony Grant’s future is likely to be made in the next few days.

The 34-year-old has been on trial at the County Ground over the past couple of weeks as he hopes to earn a new deal at the same club by which he was let go earlier this summer.

Garner suggested the combative midfielder is someone he would like to have available to him, but would not confirm whether initial talks over a new contract have taken place yet.

Grant appeared somewhere near back to his best in the pre-season friendly against former club Peterborough United on Saturday, and Town’s head coach said proving fitness was a key indicator surrounding the possibility of signing Grant up for another year.

He said: “With Anthony, it’s more about looking at his fitness and building him up. He’s done great during his time with us, and he was excellent against Peterborough.

“We’re going to have a chat with him and see where we go next week.

“Everyone knows him, everyone at the club likes him, he’s been great since I’ve walked through the door.

“I’ve known Anthony over the years, and as a player he’s a good fit for what I want. I think he’s enjoyed what we’ve done since coming in, so he’s certainly a good fit in that respect.”

Another player who could still make a comeback after appearing to be heading for the exit is defender Akin Odimayo.

Garner revealed Odimayo tested positive for Covid-19 recently, hence his delay in returning to the Town fold since a failed trial at Pompey.

The Swindon head coach said discussions remain ongoing with the 21-year-old and his representatives, and that he was unable to update fans any more than that right now.

Garner said: “We’re still having conversations with Akin and his agent. He actually tested positive for Covid recently so there’s a little bit of a pause in that situation, but that situation is ongoing.

“I’ve had some really positive conversations with him, and we’ve spoken about his development and where we see that going. I’ve not met him in person, but from our conversations he seems a really good guy, a really positive guy.

“I’ve spoken to people at the club about him – players and staff – and everyone speaks really highly of him. We’ve had a little bit of a delay with that situation because of Covid, but it’s one we’re continuing with.”