Roy O’Donovan scored six goals in seven appearances to kick off the Jets' campaign, and played a key role in leading his side to their current position, before a groin injury curtailed his season in February.

However, since O’Donovan’s injury, former-fringe players such as Jason Hoffman have been leading the line with aplomb for Ernie Merrick’s men, leaving a few selection headaches awaiting in the Hunter.

The Irish striker’s return is a month ahead of schedule, but Merrick said O’Donovan had been “training the house down."

“Roy has been training the house down over the last couple of weeks,” he said.

“Over the last fortnight his match fitness has increased substantially and he has been consistently scoring goals at training.

“I haven’t decided what time period he will play against Victory, he may come off the bench or we could opt to use him in the first half.

“He will be assessed over the next couple of days and see how he is leading into the match.

“His fitness is high and he is the ultimate professional, so I have no doubt he can go out there and do a job for us, whatever role he ends up playing.”