OLDHAM captain Gareth Owen, out since last summer with a serious foot injury, could make his comeback in Sunday’s fourth-round Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie at Halifax (3pm).

“It’s just a matter of his general fitness now, but he’s training fully and he could be available,” said head coach Scott Naylor.

Hooker Owen missed the last 12 games of the 2017 campaign after needing surgery to correct damage caused by a freak injury.

Naylor will also be waiting on prop Phil Joy, who staggered off the field near the end of the York City Knights game after a sickening clash of heads with Colton Roche.

He could do only light training on Tuesday night as part of the RFL’s back-to-play protocol covering players who have suffered head knocks. He will be carefully monitored.

Craig Briscoe (knee) and Danny Bridge (dead leg) are expected to be fit, but Adam Jones is definitely out again because of concussion.

Ben Davies (back) is still out, but Naylor is hoping that by weekend he will have 22 of his 24 contracted players available, Davies and Jones being the only exceptions.

Joy will have to prove his fitness though.

Added Naylor: “The protocol for players with head knocks is a good one. It wasn’t around when I was playing and I do think a lot of concussions can affect you in later life. Players must be looked after in the right way.”

Halifax props Adam Tangata and Harry Kidd are long-term injury victims. Fax have won three of their five Betfred Championship games so far this season and sit comfortably just outside the top four.