Boss upbeat on Brandon getting fit

BRANDON Thomas-Asante is “close to a return” to action after two months on the sidelines - but is unlikely to make his comeback against Stoke City in today’s FA Cup tie.

- By ANDY TURNER

Boss Frank Lampard suggested the Sky Blues will still be without injured trio of striker Thomas-Asante, midfielder Victor Torp, and defender Kaine Kesler-Hayden for the trip to the Bet365 Stadium to face Mark Robins’ side in the third round of the famous competition.

Thomas-Asante, City's leading scorer, has missed the last nine-and-a-half games after limping off against Middlesbrough with a hamstring strain in late November.