Oldham Athletic could soon be back to full attacking strength, with Joe Garner on the brink of a return to action for the first time since April.

The veteran striker has been a long-term absentee after undergoing shoulder surgery in the summer, but was involved in the pre-match warm-up at Halifax Town on Tuesday night.

Manager Micky Mellon said that Garner has remained a key influence in and around the dressing room, despite a recovery that meant him missing all of pre-season.

But while he intends to proceed with caution, as he initially did with a James Norwood following his lengthy lay-off, the 36-year-old's comeback would be a timely boost to a side that is desperate to turn a run of draws into wins.

"He's in contact training now so he's getting back into things," said Mellon.

"A bit like Norwood we have to be careful.

"We need those types of guys back fit again.

"They know their way around the 18-yard box and what's needed.

"But Joe's not done any pre-season but done a lot of work behind the scenes. If we can introduce him gradually like we did with James, and remember that they're in their mid-thirties - still very capable but we've got to be careful with the load that we ask of them.

"But Joe's back in the group."

Mellon said he had not intended to play Garner at Halifax in midweek, but could look to include him in the squad for this weekend's trip to Woking (kick-off 3pm, Saturday).

"He's not played any football so it's early days, but he could possibly be involved," said the Latics boss.

"We'll have a look at it and try to put together a team we feel can get us a result.

"He's great to have around. He's been around the lads and gets around the lads and they trust him."