York City Knights winger Austin Buchanan could be just weeks away from a return after taking his first steps on the training field since suffering a double fracture in the opening game of the season.

The 20-year-old National League Two Young Player of the Year for 2004 has been out of action since breaking his right forearm in two places in the National Rail Cup curtain-raiser at Castleford Tigers on February 13. The damage was such that a metal plate had to be inserted to help heal the injury.

But this week, after nearly nine weeks of sitting out, he made his return to the training field on a non-contact basis.

Head coach Mick Cook said: "Austin Buchanan was back on the training field this week. He is obviously limited in what he can do as he is still non-contact but he was back getting involved again.

"He's been out with a nasty break and it's not easy to come back from an injury like that on such a vulnerable area.

"It will be good to get him back to full strength. He's a good player who is very dangerous and quick down the wing so we are looking forward to getting him back in the side."

The Knights' back room staff are keeping in close contact with medical specialists to make sure Buchanan, who scored three tries in pre-season, is not rushed back too soon.

Added Cook: "It is still early days and we need to play it a week at a time until he can get back into the thick of things but he is doing weights again - although obviously not any heavy pulls.

"There is still a bit of repair to the bone that needs doing but hopefully we will have him back in a few weeks which means we won't be far off having a full squad."

Buchanan's one-time replacement Chris Ross is also back in training following his hamstring strain, with Craig Forsyth, Matt Blaymire and Simon Friend all making progress.

Sheffield Eagles player Chris Molyneaux has been suspended for their match against the York City Knights on Sunday.

The prop forward was found guilty of striking against Barrow and has been banned for three matches with a £75 fine.

Keighley Cougars full back Matt Bramald will go before the Rugby Football League disciplinary panel on Tuesday to argue his case following his red card against York on Sunday for a high tackle on Adam Sullivan.

Updated: 09:37 Friday, April 15, 2005