We are now counting down the games to the end of the season. And with just six remaining, I'm glad to say we are getting our walking wounded back for the final run in.

We had some great news on Marcos Painter this week with the defender returning to the training ground to step up his comeback from a hamstring injury.

He's ahead of schedule by a week and could even be involved in today's game.

He was joined on the training ground by Andrea Orlandi who has stepped up his rehabilitation programme over the last three weeks.

Andrea's knee is holding up well and he is getting stronger by the day.

All he needs now are a few games under his belt to regain his match fitness and pull on a first team shirt again before the end of the season.

Paul Anderson has also trained this week following his hamstring problem.

Liverpool are happy with his progress and Ando could be back for the Carlisle game or, more likely, the trip to Gillingham on Saturday.

As you are aware, our skipper Garry Monk has been struggling with lower back pain for the last month. But he is improving all the time and started light jogging this week.

I can't give you a comeback date though as back injuries are so unpredictable.

Instead we will have to keep monitoring him on a daily basis. And, knowing what a determined character Monks is, I'm sure you'll see him back in a Swans shirt before the end of the season.

Febian Brandy is now fit again after a calf injury coincided with his three-match suspension, while Ferrie Bodde is making good progress from his groin strain.

He's worked hard on his rehab and as a result the pain has eased and his movement has increased.