JAMIE McCombe was today set to make his long-awaited comeback from injury.

Bristol City's giant centre-back has not kicked a ball in anger since fracturing his cheekbone in a Coca-Cola Championship match against Derby at Ashton Gate on August 16.

But the Yorkshireman has made a good recovery and was last week given permission to resume full-contact training. He has now been declared fit and ready to return to action and will feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Swindon Town.

City manager Gary Johnson declined to divulge details of the game, but confirmed McCombe's involvement.

He said: "Jamie's cheek is fine and he's ready to play. Now we just need to get the rest of him fit.

"He was back training as normal last week and joining in with the other lads and he's working very hard to get back.

"Our medical people say he's made a full recovery and he's been heading balls in training and doing full contact work.

"He's so tall that none of the other lads have been able to get anywhere near his cheekbone!"

Although he has been sidelined for seven weeks, McCombe is setting his sights on making City's 16-man squad for the Championship clash with Norwich City at Ashton Gate on Saturday week.

If he comes through today's friendly, the 6ft 6in defender will be given another opportunity to regain match sharpness in next Tuesday's home Wales & West Combination game against Salisbury City.

But Johnson is urging caution and is not prepared to speculate on when McCombe might be restored to the first team squad. He said: "Jamie needs to get himself properly fit before he can play in the first team and, as we know, that can take him some time.

"He has to get match-fit and that is why this reserve game is important to him. He needs games because playing is the only way to get match sharp."

City have missed McCombe's height and physical presence since he was stretchered off during the 1-1 draw with Derby. His absence exposed a lack of experienced cover in the centre of defence and prompted Johnson to recruit Scotland international Andy Webster from Glasgow Rangers on a six-month loan.

Given that 6ft 3in French striker Antoine Sibierski is expected to spearhead the Norwich attack at Ashton Gate on October 18, Johnson may consider recalling McCombe, providing he is fit enough.